Which suffix denotes a surgical incision?

Study for the SkillsUSA Medical Terminology Exam. Use our comprehensive quiz to test your knowledge with multiple choice questions and get explanations and hints for each question. Prepare for success!

Multiple Choice

Which suffix denotes a surgical incision?

Explanation:
A surgical incision is indicated by the suffix -otomy, which comes from Greek and means cutting into or creating an opening. This suffix is used in terms like tracheotomy or craniotomy, where the procedure involves making a deliberate incision to access a body part. The other terms relate to anatomy rather than an incision: osteon is the bone’s microscopic structural unit, endosteum is the inner membrane lining of bone, and cost/o refers to the rib. So -otomy best denotes a surgical incision.

A surgical incision is indicated by the suffix -otomy, which comes from Greek and means cutting into or creating an opening. This suffix is used in terms like tracheotomy or craniotomy, where the procedure involves making a deliberate incision to access a body part. The other terms relate to anatomy rather than an incision: osteon is the bone’s microscopic structural unit, endosteum is the inner membrane lining of bone, and cost/o refers to the rib. So -otomy best denotes a surgical incision.

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