Medical Terminology Suffixes Quiz

Suffixes in Medical Terminology

• -lysis: Indicates destruction or breaking apart, often used in medical contexts to describe the breakdown of cells or tissues.

• -desis: Refers to the surgical procedure of fixing or binding together, commonly involving joints in orthopedic procedures.

• -tripsy: Denotes the process of crushing, primarily used in the context of medical procedures targeting stones or other masses within the body.

Specific Terms and Definitions

• Hemolysis: The process of destruction of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia and other complications.

• Carcinolysis: The destruction or dissolution of cancer cells, a key aspect of certain cancer treatments.

• Arthrodesis: A surgical technique aimed at immobilizing a joint, often performed to alleviate pain or correct deformities.

• Lithotripsy: A non-invasive procedure that involves the crushing of stones (calculi) in the urinary tract, utilizing sound waves to break them into smaller pieces for easier passage.

• Neurotrophic: Refers to the surgical crushing of a nerve, which can be a method to interrupt pain pathways or modify nerve function.