What does the suffix "-ectomy" indicate?

• A. tumor
• B. inflammation
• C. surgical removal of
• D. pertaining to

Answer: (C)

The suffix "-ectomy" indicates surgical removal of a specific part of the body or organ. For instance, "appendectomy" refers to the surgical removal of the appendix. This term is derived from Greek and Latin roots, where “-ectomy” literally means cutting out. In medical terminology, it is frequently used to describe procedures where an organ or part is excised in order to treat various conditions, such as disease, trauma, or abnormalities.

Understanding this suffix is crucial in the medical field because it provides a clear indication of the nature of surgical procedures that may be performed on patients, enabling EMTs and medical professionals to communicate effectively about interventions.