Medical Terminology Common Suffixes Flashcards

Common Medical Suffixes

• -pathy: Refers to disease; often used to denote disorders affecting organs.
• -plasia: Indicates development or growth; commonly seen in terms related to cell formation and tissue development.
• -plasm: Signifies formation or development; used in contexts involving cellular components.
• -ptosis: Denotes drooping or sagging; associated with conditions where an organ or body part falls from its normal position.
• -rrhage: Describes excessive or abnormal flow, often related to bleeding events.
• -rrhea: Refers to discharge or flow; used in terms that detail bodily secretions or fluid loss.
• -rrhexis: Indicates rupture; commonly used when describing breaking of tissues or vessels.
• -sclerosis: Means hardening; frequently associated with conditions that lead to tissue firmness, as in arteriosclerosis.
• -stenosis: Refers to narrowing; often used in medical conditions involving constricted blood vessels or passages.
• -therapy: Denotes treatment; encompasses various methods aimed at alleviating conditions or diseases.
• -trophy: Refers to nourishment or development; it describes the growth of cells or tissues and can indicate size changes.
• -centesis: Involves puncture to withdraw fluid; commonly used in procedures where fluids are collected for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
• -ectomy: Signifies surgical removal; broadly applied in various surgical procedures targeting organs or tissues.
• -ostomy: Indicates surgically creating an opening; often used in procedures that involve connecting an organ to the outside of the body.
• -otomy: Refers to cutting into; a term widely used in surgical contexts.
• -pexy: Denotes surgical fixation; often used when organs need to be stabilized in their anatomical position.
• -plasty: Indicates surgical repair; commonly employed in reconstructive surgeries.
• -rrhaphy: Refers to suture; commonly associated with stitching up incisions or wounds post-surgery.

Learn essential medical terminology with these flashcards focusing on common suffixes from -pathy to -rrhaphy. Each card provides a word along with its definition to help reinforce your understanding of medical vocabulary. Ideal for students studying healthcare or medical fields.