Which suffix means cutting into?

Prepare for the Podiatry Medical Assistant Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure success in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which suffix means cutting into?

Explanation:
Cutting into or creating an opening into a body part is shown by the suffix -otomy. It signals that the procedure is about making an opening to access the interior, as in tracheotomy (opening into the trachea) or thoracotomy (opening into the chest). The other suffixes describe different actions: -tomy is the act of cutting or incision in general, -ectomy means removal of a part (like appendectomy), and -scopy refers to viewing or examining with a scope (like endoscopy). Therefore, -otomy best conveys the idea of cutting into to establish an opening.

Cutting into or creating an opening into a body part is shown by the suffix -otomy. It signals that the procedure is about making an opening to access the interior, as in tracheotomy (opening into the trachea) or thoracotomy (opening into the chest). The other suffixes describe different actions: -tomy is the act of cutting or incision in general, -ectomy means removal of a part (like appendectomy), and -scopy refers to viewing or examining with a scope (like endoscopy). Therefore, -otomy best conveys the idea of cutting into to establish an opening.

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