Suffixes appear at the end of medical words and carry enormous meaning. If you recognize the suffix -ectomy , for instance, you immediately know a removal procedure is being discussed — even if the root word is unfamiliar. This quiz introduces eight of the most clinically common suffixes you will encounter in discharge papers, radiology reports, and specialist notes. Work through all eight questions, review the explanations, and try again if you want a perfect score.
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Question 1 of 8
The suffix -itis classically means:
A) Surgical removalB) InflammationC) Study ofD) Disease or disorder
Explanation: -itis = inflammation. Appendicitis = inflamed appendix; arthritis = inflamed joints.
Question 2 of 8
A surgeon performs a cholecystectomy . The suffix tells you:
A) Study of the gallbladderB) Inflammation of the gallbladderC) Surgical removal of the gallbladderD) X-ray of the gallbladder
Explanation: -ectomy = surgical removal. Cholecystectomy = removal of the gallbladder.
Question 3 of 8
Cardiology is the study of the heart because -ology means:
A) DiseaseB) RemovalC) The study or science ofD) Repair
Explanation: -ology = the study of. Cardiology = study of the heart; neurology = study of the nervous system.
Question 4 of 8
Neuropathy ends in -pathy , which means:
A) Removal of nervesB) Study of nervesC) Disease or disorderD) Inflammation of nerves
Explanation: -pathy = disease or disorder. Neuropathy = nerve damage or disease.
Question 5 of 8
A patient has leukemia . The suffix -emia refers to:
A) PainB) Blood conditionC) Surgical repairD) Tumor
Explanation: -emia = blood condition. Leukemia = cancer of blood cells; anemia = low red blood cells.
Question 6 of 8
During a colonoscopy , doctors use a camera to examine. The suffix -scopy means:
A) Surgical removalB) Visual examination using an instrumentC) X-ray imagingD) Drug treatment
Explanation: -scopy = visual examination. Colonoscopy = visual exam of the colon; arthroscopy = exam of a joint.
Question 7 of 8
Mammography uses X-rays to image breast tissue. -graphy means:
A) Removal of tissueB) Process of recording or imagingC) InflammationD) Repair
Explanation: -graphy = process of recording or imaging. Mammography, radiography, and echocardiography all use this suffix.
Question 8 of 8
Rhinoplasty (a "nose job") ends in -plasty , meaning:
A) ParalysisB) Surgical repair or reconstructionC) Study ofD) Disease
Explanation: -plasty = surgical repair or reconstruction. Rhinoplasty = nose reconstruction; arthroplasty = joint replacement.
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