Which suffix indicates a pathological condition?

Which suffix indicates a pathological condition?

• A. -itis
• B. -osis
• C. -gram
• D. -itis

Answer: (B)

The suffix that indicates a pathological condition is "-osis." This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to signify a disease, abnormal condition, or an increase in a specified substance or function. For example, "nephrosis" refers to a kidney disease and "sclerosis" indicates hardening of tissue, both of which highlight conditions that deviate from normal health. The other suffixes serve different purposes: "-itis" refers specifically to inflammation, suggesting a reaction to injury or infection rather than a broader pathological condition. "-gram" denotes a record or image, such as in "radiogram," and is not associated with a disease state but rather with diagnostic documentation. Moreover, while "-itis" appears twice, it still pertains to inflammatory conditions, not encompassing the broader range of pathological states that "-osis" does. Thus, "-osis" is the most appropriate choice for indicating a pathological condition.

The suffix that indicates a pathological condition is "-osis." This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to signify a disease, abnormal condition, or an increase in a specified substance or function. For example, "nephrosis" refers to a kidney disease and "sclerosis" indicates hardening of tissue, both of which highlight conditions that deviate from normal health.

The other suffixes serve different purposes: "-itis" refers specifically to inflammation, suggesting a reaction to injury or infection rather than a broader pathological condition. "-gram" denotes a record or image, such as in "radiogram," and is not associated with a disease state but rather with diagnostic documentation. Moreover, while "-itis" appears twice, it still pertains to inflammatory conditions, not encompassing the broader range of pathological states that "-osis" does. Thus, "-osis" is the most appropriate choice for indicating a pathological condition.