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2: Suffixes

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    150516

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    Learning Objectives

    By the end of this chapter, you should be able to

    1. Define the term “suffix”
    2. List common symptom-related suffixes
    3. List common treatment-related suffixes
    4. Identify key medical concepts discussed in this chapter
    5. Define common medical terms related to suffixes discussed in this chapter
    6. Describe common excisions, infections, pathologies, and procedures related to suffixes discussed in this chapter

    This chapter covers the most common suffixes used in medical terminology, including their meaning and purpose. You were introduced to suffixes in Chapter 1, and because of the common and sometimes complex nature of their use in medical terminology, you will see some of those suffixes again in this chapter. These suffixes will be elaborated on and applied in medical terms that you will often see in healthcare settings. You will also be introduced to treatment- and symptom-related suffixes and concepts. There will be ample practice throughout this chapter to solidify this knowledge and prepare you for further chapters where these concepts will be used.

    • 2.1: Suffixes for Symptoms
      This page covers medical suffixes that describe signs and symptoms, providing definitions and examples, such as -algia (pain) and -itis (inflammation). It examines terms like polydipsia and hematoma, illustrating their application in healthcare. Additionally, it focuses on suffixes like -pathy and -uria, explaining their relevance in terms like cardiomyopathy and hematuria.
    • 2.2: Suffixes for Treatment Procedures
      This page covers essential medical suffixes related to procedures and treatments, such as -centesis, -ectomy, -gram, -scopy, and -therapy. It emphasizes understanding the distinctions between similar suffixes and highlights various medical procedures, especially those involving visual examinations with instruments like endoscopes. Examples include procedures like amniocentesis and colonoscopy, while terms such as colostomy and cryotherapy illustrate their significance in medical practice.
    • 2.3: Additional Suffixes
      This page offers an overview of medical suffixes, their meanings, and examples, highlighting terms related to secretion, cells, proteins, and their applications in medical terminology. It covers key concepts such as hemoglobin's role, immune responses, and changes like atrophy and hypertrophy.
    • 2.4: Review Exercises
      This page underscores the significance of revisiting suffixes and prevalent medical terminology from Chapter 2, noting that engaging in the final review exercises will enhance understanding of the chapter's concepts, while also acknowledging the source material adapted for this content.

    Attribution

    Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been adapted from the following resource:

    Carter, K., & Rutherford, M. (2020). Building a medical terminology foundation. eCampus Ontario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/medicalterminology/ licensed under CC BY 4.0

     

    This page titled 2: Suffixes is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lisa Sturdy and Susanne Erickson via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.