Which suffix would you use to describe the surgical removal of the gallbladder?

Which suffix would you use to describe the surgical removal of the gallbladder?

• A. -itis
• B. -ectomy
• C. -osis
• D. -pathy

Answer: (B)

The suffix used to describe the surgical removal of an organ is "-ectomy." Specifically, when referring to the gallbladder, the procedure is known as "cholecystectomy"—the term derives from "cholecyst," which means gallbladder, and the suffix "-ectomy," indicating surgical removal. This suffix is commonly applied in medical terminology to denote the excision of various organs or tissues, such as appendectomy for the removal of the appendix or mastectomy for breast tissue. The other suffixes do not pertain to surgical removal. For example, "-itis" denotes inflammation, "-osis" indicates a condition or disease, typically one that is abnormal but not necessarily inflammatory, and "-pathy" refers to disease or disorder of an organ or system. Thus, "ectomies" specifically highlight surgical procedures that involve the excision of a body part.

The suffix used to describe the surgical removal of an organ is "-ectomy." Specifically, when referring to the gallbladder, the procedure is known as "cholecystectomy"—the term derives from "cholecyst," which means gallbladder, and the suffix "-ectomy," indicating surgical removal. This suffix is commonly applied in medical terminology to denote the excision of various organs or tissues, such as appendectomy for the removal of the appendix or mastectomy for breast tissue.

The other suffixes do not pertain to surgical removal. For example, "-itis" denotes inflammation, "-osis" indicates a condition or disease, typically one that is abnormal but not necessarily inflammatory, and "-pathy" refers to disease or disorder of an organ or system. Thus, "ectomies" specifically highlight surgical procedures that involve the excision of a body part.