Chapter 5-Common Suffixes in Medical Terminology

Question 1

-al

Answer 1

pertaining to

example: syncopal (pertaining to syncope)

Question 2

-algia

Answer 2

pertaining to pain

Example: arthralgia (joint pain)

Question 3

-ectomy

Answer 3

surgical removal of

Example: appendectomy

(surgical removal of the appendix)

Question 4

-ic

Answer 4

pertaining to

Example: diaphoretic

(pertaining to diaphoresis)

Question 5

-itis

Answer 5

inflammation

Example: epiglottitis

(inflammation of the epiglottis)

Question 6

-logy

Answer 6

study of

Example: cardiology

(the study of the heart)

Question 7

-logist

Answer 7

specialist

Example: pulmonologist

(specialist in diseases of the lung)

Question 8

-megaly

Answer 8

enlargement

Example: cardiomegaly

(enlargement of the heart)

Question 9

-meter

Answer 9

measuring instrument

Example: sphygmomanometer

(instrument to measure blood pressure)

Question 10

-oma

Answer 10

tumor (usually referring to cancer)

Example: lymphoma

(cancer of the lymphatic system)

Question 11

-pathy

Answer 11

disease

Example: nephropathy

(diseases of the kidneys)