The suffix meaning abnormal softening?

The suffix meaning abnormal softening?

• A. -osis
• B. -malacia
• C. -itis
• D. -necrosis

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the ending -malacia indicates abnormal softening of a tissue. When you see this suffix, the term describes tissue that is softer than normal, often due to disease or degeneration. For example, osteomalacia means bones are softer than they should be, chondromalacia refers to softening of cartilage, and laryngomalacia involves soft tissues of the larynx. Other suffixes have different meanings: -osis usually marks a condition or disease process, -itis means inflammation, and -necrosis refers to tissue death. So -malacia is the suffix that specifically signals abnormal softening.

The main idea is that the ending -malacia indicates abnormal softening of a tissue. When you see this suffix, the term describes tissue that is softer than normal, often due to disease or degeneration. For example, osteomalacia means bones are softer than they should be, chondromalacia refers to softening of cartilage, and laryngomalacia involves soft tissues of the larynx. Other suffixes have different meanings: -osis usually marks a condition or disease process, -itis means inflammation, and -necrosis refers to tissue death. So -malacia is the suffix that specifically signals abnormal softening.