California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

What does the suffix "-tomy" refer to?

Abnormal condition

Incision

The suffix "-tomy" specifically refers to an incision or cutting procedure in medical terminology. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "tomia," which means cutting. In clinical practice, terms that include "-tomy" often describe surgical procedures that involve making incisions in the body, such as "laparotomy," which is an incision into the abdominal cavity. This understanding is crucial for medical assistants and professionals as it helps them comprehend and communicate various surgical procedures.

The other choices address different concepts: "abnormal condition" typically relates to the suffix "-osis," "study of" corresponds to the suffix "-logy," and "inflammation" aligns with the suffix "-itis." Each of these suffixes serves distinct functions in medical terminology, underscoring the importance of precise language in healthcare settings.

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Study of

Inflammation

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