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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Master Medical Suffixes and Prefixes: Take the Quiz!

Think you know suffix hernia and suffix for surgical suturing? Dive in now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration on medical terms surgical suturing suffix pexy hernia on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you learn what pexy means in medical terms and practice suffixes for hernia, suturing, and dipsia. Use it to spot gaps before an exam and build quick recall for rounds; after, try the related suture suffix quiz.

What does the suffix "-pexy" mean in medical terminology?
Fixation
Removal
Suturing
Incision
The suffix "-pexy" refers to surgical fixation of an organ or tissue in place. It derives from the Greek pexis, meaning fixation. An example is nephropexy, which secures a displaced kidney in its normal position.
Which suffix indicates surgical suturing?
-otomy
-rrhaphy
-ectomy
-ostomy
The suffix "-rrhaphy" means surgical suturing or repair. It comes from the Greek rhaph?, meaning suture. An example is herniorrhaphy, the suturing repair of a hernia.
What does the suffix "-cele" denote in medical terms?
Hernia or protrusion
Tumor
Inflammation
Blood condition
The suffix "-cele" indicates a hernia or bulging of tissue through an opening. It derives from the Greek kel?, meaning tumor or swelling. An example is cystocele, a protrusion of the bladder into the vagina.
Which suffix means surgical repair or reconstruction?
-ectomy
-plasty
-pexy
-otomy
The suffix "-plasty" refers to surgical repair, reconstruction, or reshaping of a body part. It comes from the Greek plast?, meaning molding or forming. Rhinoplasty, for example, is the surgical reshaping of the nose.
What does the suffix "-ectomy" signify?
Removal or excision
Suturing
Fixation
Incision
The suffix "-ectomy" denotes surgical removal or excision of a body part. It is derived from the Greek ektom?, meaning excision. Appendectomy, for instance, is the removal of the appendix.
Which suffix means cutting into or making an incision?
-ostomy
-rrhaphy
-pexy
-otomy
The suffix "-otomy" means to cut into or make an incision in a body part. It comes from the Greek tom?, meaning cutting. A tracheotomy, for example, creates a surgical opening in the trachea.
Which suffix indicates creating a new opening to the outside of the body?
-otomy
-plasty
-ostomy
-ectomy
The suffix "-ostomy" refers to the creation of a new permanent opening on the body's surface. It is derived from the Greek stoma, meaning mouth or opening. A colostomy, for instance, forms an opening of the colon to the abdominal wall.
What does the suffix "-itis" mean?
Deficiency
Inflammation
Pain
Tumor
The suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation of an organ or tissue. It comes from the Greek -it?s, meaning inflammation. For example, tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils.
Which suffix refers to a blood condition?
-oma
-algia
-emia
-plasia
The suffix "-emia" indicates a blood condition or presence in the blood. It is derived from the Greek haima, meaning blood. Leukemia, for instance, refers to an abnormal increase of white blood cells in the blood.
What does the suffix "-oma" signify?
Pain
Removal
Infection
Tumor or swelling
The suffix "-oma" denotes a tumor or neoplastic growth. It comes from the Greek -?ma, meaning swelling. Lipoma, for example, is a benign fatty tumor.
Which suffix means pain?
-osis
-cele
-desis
-algia
The suffix "-algia" denotes pain. It derives from the Greek algos, meaning pain. Neuralgia refers to nerve pain.
What does the suffix "-scopy" indicate?
Visual examination
Fixation
Inflammation
Removal
The suffix "-scopy" refers to visual examination of the interior of a body using an instrument (scope). It comes from the Greek skopos, meaning examiner. Endoscopy is the use of a scope to examine internal organs.
Which suffix means puncture to withdraw fluid?
-ectomy
-pexy
-centesis
-plasty
The suffix "-centesis" indicates a puncture of a body cavity or organ with a needle to remove fluid. It derives from the Greek kentesis, meaning puncture. Thoracentesis, for example, removes fluid from the pleural space.
What does the suffix "-graphy" denote?
Removal
Fixation
Recording or imaging
Suturing
The suffix "-graphy" refers to the process of recording or imaging a structure or function. It is derived from the Greek graphein, meaning to write. Angiography, for example, is imaging of blood vessels.
Which suffix indicates breakdown or destruction?
-ectomy
-lysis
-itis
-pexy
The suffix "-lysis" means breakdown, separation, or destruction of cells or tissues. It comes from the Greek lysis, meaning loosening. Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells.
What procedure does "nephropexy" describe?
Removal of a kidney
Incision into a kidney
Suturing of the renal capsule
Fixation of a displaced kidney
Nephropexy refers to the surgical fixation of a kidney that is mobile or displaced (nephro- meaning kidney, -pexy meaning fixation). It stabilizes the kidney in its proper anatomical location. This procedure is indicated for nephroptosis.
What is gastropexy?
Suturing the stomach wall
Incision into the stomach
Fixation of the stomach
Removal of the stomach
Gastropexy is the surgical fixation of the stomach to the abdominal wall (gastro- meaning stomach, -pexy meaning fixation). It prevents volvulus or displacement of the stomach. It is often done in cases of hiatal hernia repair.
What does "herniorrhaphy" involve?
Suturing repair of a hernia
Removal of herniated tissue
Fixation of hernia tissue
Creating an opening in hernia sac
Herniorrhaphy refers to the surgical repair of a hernia by suturing the defect in the abdominal wall (hernio- meaning hernia, -rrhaphy meaning suture). It restores the integrity of the abdominal wall. Mesh may also be used for reinforcement.
Which term refers to removal of the gallbladder?
Cholecystorrhaphy
Cholecystectomy
Cholecystopexy
Cholecystotomy
Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecysto- meaning gallbladder, -ectomy meaning removal). It is commonly performed for gallstones or cholecystitis. Laparoscopic approaches are now standard.
What does laparoscopy allow?
Incision into the abdomen
Removal of abdominal fluid
Creating an opening to the outside
Visual examination of the abdominal cavity
Laparoscopy refers to visual examination of the abdominal cavity using a camera-equipped scope (laparo- meaning flank or abdomen, -scopy meaning visual examination). It allows minimally invasive diagnostics and surgery. Common uses include appendectomy and cholecystectomy.
What does thoracotomy involve?
Incision into the chest wall
Visual examination of the chest
Fixation of the ribs
Removal of the pleura
Thoracotomy is the surgical incision into the chest wall to gain access to thoracic organs (thoraco- meaning chest, -otomy meaning incision). It is used for lung resections, heart surgery, or trauma access. It can involve rib spreading.
What is a colostomy?
Removing a portion of the colon
Creating an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface
Suturing the colon
Incision into the colon
A colostomy involves creating a stoma or opening of the colon onto the abdominal wall (colo- meaning colon, -stomy meaning new opening). It diverts fecal flow for healing or cancer treatment. The stoma may be temporary or permanent.
What procedure is arthrocentesis?
Fixation of a joint
Surgical repair of a joint
Puncture of a joint to remove fluid
Visual examination of a joint
Arthrocentesis refers to the aspiration of fluid from a joint space using a needle (arthro- meaning joint, -centesis meaning puncture). It aids in diagnosis or relieves pressure. It is commonly done in knee joints.
What does hysteropexy refer to?
Removal of the uterus
Incision into the uterus
Fixation of the uterus
Suturing of uterine wall
Hysteropexy is the surgical fixation of a prolapsed or displaced uterus (hystero- meaning uterus, -pexy meaning fixation). It repositions the uterus within the pelvic cavity. Techniques vary based on extent of prolapse.
Nephrolithotomy is best described as:
Crushing of a kidney stone
Fixation of a kidney stone
Incision into the kidney to remove a stone
Visual examination of kidney stones
Nephrolithotomy involves making a surgical incision into the kidney to extract urinary stones (nephro- meaning kidney, lith- meaning stone, -otomy meaning incision). It is used for stones too large for less invasive methods. Recovery depends on stone size and location.
What does costoplasty involve?
Fusion of ribs
Incision into the chest wall
Surgical repair of a rib
Removal of a rib
Costoplasty refers to the surgical repair or reconstruction of a rib (costo- meaning rib, -plasty meaning repair). It may be performed after trauma or for congenital anomalies. It restores chest wall integrity.
Mastopexy is the surgical term for:
Breast incision
Breast removal
Breast imaging
Breast lift or fixation
Mastopexy refers to the surgical lift and fixation of sagging breasts (masto- meaning breast, -pexy meaning fixation). It reshapes and elevates the breast tissue. It differs from augmentation in that no implant is placed.
What does enterorrhaphy mean?
Suturing of the intestine
Fixation of the intestine
Removal of a section of intestine
Incision into the intestine
Enterorrhaphy is the surgical suturing repair of the intestine (entero- meaning intestine, -rrhaphy meaning suture). It is used to close perforations or resections. Proper technique prevents leaks and infection.
"Otoplasty" refers to which procedure?
Visual examination of the ear
Incision into the middle ear
Surgical reshaping of the external ear
Removal of the ear canal
Otoplasty refers to surgical reshaping or reconstruction of the external ear (oto- meaning ear, -plasty meaning repair). It corrects deformities or protruding ears. The procedure may involve cartilage modification.
What does the suffix "-rrhagia" indicate?
Surgical removal
Excessive discharge or bleeding
Inflammation
Narrowing of a vessel
The suffix "-rrhagia" denotes excessive flow or bleeding, derived from the Greek rh?gnynai, meaning to burst forth. It is used in terms like menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Early identification is important to manage blood loss.
Tenorrhaphy refers to the suturing of which structure?
Nerve
Muscle
Tendon
Ligament
Tenorrhaphy is the surgical suturing of a torn tendon (teno- meaning tendon, -rrhaphy meaning suture). It restores tendon continuity and function. Proper repair technique is critical to healing and mobility.
Which suffix denotes creation of a permanent external opening?
-otomy
-ostomy
-plasty
-otomy
The suffix "-ostomy" signifies the creation of a permanent opening connecting an internal organ to the body surface. It derives from the Greek stoma, meaning mouth or opening. Examples include colostomy and ileostomy.
What does "adnexectomy" involve?
Suturing of adnexal structures
Incision into the fallopian tube
Fixation of the ovary
Removal of uterine adnexa
Adnexectomy is the surgical removal of the uterine adnexa (ovaries and fallopian tubes). The term derives from adnexa, meaning appendages. It is performed for conditions like ectopic pregnancy or tumors.
In the term uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, what does "-plasty" mean?
Incision
Repair or reconstruction
Removal
Fixation
In uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, the suffix "-plasty" refers to the surgical reconstruction or modification of the uvula, palate, and pharynx. It is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The procedure reshapes tissues to improve airway patency.
Myorrhaphy is the suturing of which tissue?
Ligament
Tendon
Muscle
Nerve
Myorrhaphy refers to the surgical suturing of muscle tissue (myo- meaning muscle, -rrhaphy meaning suture). It is used to repair muscle lacerations or hernias of muscular walls. Proper alignment ensures functional restoration.
Which suffix indicates the study of a subject?
-metry
-scopy
-graphy
-logy
The suffix "-logy" denotes the study or science of a particular field. It comes from the Greek logia, meaning study. Pathology, for example, is the study of disease.
What does the suffix "-osis" denote?
Inflammation
Abnormal condition
Pain
Surgical removal
The suffix "-osis" indicates an abnormal condition or diseased state. It derives from the Greek -?sis, meaning process or condition. Examples include tuberculosis and thrombosis.
What procedure is described by "hepatorrhaphy"?
Suturing of the liver
Incision into the liver
Fixation of the liver
Removal of the liver
Hepatorrhaphy refers to the surgical suturing of a liver laceration (hepato- meaning liver, -rrhaphy meaning suture). It is performed to control bleeding and repair tissue. Hepatic trauma often requires this repair.
Arthrodesis involves which action?
Visual inspection of a joint
Removal of a joint
Surgical fusion of a joint
Incision into a joint
The suffix "-desis" in arthrodesis means binding or surgical fusion, from the Greek desis. Arthrodesis permanently immobilizes a joint, often to relieve pain or correct deformity. It is common in severe arthritis cases.
Which suffix indicates cutting into with a scalpel or knife?
-plasty
-otomy
-ostomy
-pexy
The suffix "-otomy" denotes making a surgical incision into an organ or tissue. It comes from the Greek tom?, meaning cutting. Myringotomy, for example, incises the eardrum to relieve pressure.
Which suffix means surgical crushing?
-pexy
-tripsy
-tomy
-plasty
The suffix "-tripsy" indicates crushing or breaking up, from the Greek tribein, meaning to crush. Lithotripsy, for instance, crushes kidney stones into smaller pieces. It is commonly done with shock waves.
In cystorrhaphy, what is being sutured?
Kidney
Urethra
Ureter
Urinary bladder
Cystorrhaphy refers to the surgical suturing repair of the urinary bladder (cysto- meaning bladder, -rrhaphy meaning suture). It is performed after bladder injury or to close surgical incisions. Effective closure prevents urinary leakage.
What does the suffix "-pepsia" imply in dyspepsia?
Removal
Pain
Fixation
Digestion
The suffix "-pepsia" refers to digestion, from the Greek pepsis. Dyspepsia means impaired or painful digestion (dys- meaning bad). It is commonly known as indigestion.
What does the suffix "-phagia" indicate?
Eating or swallowing
Vision
Speaking
Movement
The suffix "-phagia" denotes eating or swallowing, derived from the Greek phagein. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. It is evaluated by speech and swallow therapists.
Which suffix denotes involuntary contraction of muscle?
-spasm
-stasis
-plegia
-paresis
The suffix "-spasm" refers to an involuntary, sudden contraction of muscle. It is derived from the Greek spasmos. Bronchospasm, for example, is the sudden constriction of the bronchi.
What does the suffix "-clasia" mean?
To break or fracture
To fixate
To suture
To view
The suffix "-clasia" indicates surgical breaking or fracturing of a structure, from the Greek klasis. Osteoclasia refers to the deliberate breaking of a bone. It can correct deformities.
What does the suffix "-phil" indicate in eosinophil?
Formation
Affinity or attraction
Destruction
Removal
The suffix "-phil" denotes an affinity or attraction for a substance, from the Greek philia. Eosinophils are white blood cells that stain readily with eosin dye (eosino- meaning dawn-colored). They play roles in allergy and parasitic infections.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Interpret the "-pexy" suffix -

    Describe how this suffix denotes surgical fixation and provide examples of its use in medical terminology.

  2. Identify suturing suffixes -

    Recognize suffixes like "-rrhaphy" used for surgical suturing and understand their role in procedural terms.

  3. Recognize hernia-related suffixes -

    Spot suffixes such as "-cele" associated with hernias and explain their significance in diagnosis names.

  4. Analyze thirst-related suffixes -

    Distinguish suffixes like "-dipsia" to understand medical terms related to hydration and fluid balance.

  5. Apply suffix knowledge to medical terms -

    Use understanding of prefixes and suffixes to accurately interpret and construct complex medical terminology.

  6. Evaluate terminology in context -

    Assess common medical diagnoses to identify and explain key suffixes and their meanings.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding -pexy (Pexy definition medical) -

    The suffix "-pexy" originates from the Greek "pēxis," meaning surgical fixation or suspension of an organ. In practice, a nephropexy is the surgical fixation of the kidney, illustrating pexy definition medical perfectly. Use the mnemonic "PEXY = Place EXactlY" to recall that it secures an organ in place.

  2. Suffix for surgical suturing: -rrhaphy -

    The suffix "-rrhaphy" means to suture or repair by stitching, as seen in herniorrhaphy (hernia repair). Remember "RRHAPHY = Repaired by Rigid HAndy PHY-sician" to cement the link with suturing. This term is foundational in surgical procedure names - always look for the double "r" as a stitching clue.

  3. Identifying suffix hernia: -cele -

    In medical terminology, the suffix "-cele" denotes a hernia or abnormal protrusion of tissue, such as in cystocele (bladder hernia). Think "CELE = Cavity Escapes Like Ectopia" to visualize tissues bulging out of their normal cavities. The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists dozens of "-cele" terms - spot it to recognize hernias in diagnoses.

  4. Exploring suffix dipsia: -dipsia -

    "-dipsia" comes from the Greek "dipsa," meaning thirst; polydipsia denotes excessive thirst, often linked to diabetes. A handy tip is "DIPSIA = Drink Intensely, Please Stop If Abnormal." The Endocrine Society uses this suffix frequently when discussing fluid balance disorders, so it's a key term in metabolic evaluations.

  5. Mnemonic map for mastering medical suffixes -

    Create a visual "suffix map" by grouping related endings (e.g., -pexy with -pexy procedures, -rrhaphy with suturing). Draw a chart or flashcards linking each suffix to its Greek or Latin root and a real-world example. This technique, endorsed by university medical schools, boosts retention and makes quizzing yourself both efficient and engaging.

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