If a medical term ends with -lysis, what does it indicate?

Prepare for the Medical Terminology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question to strengthen your understanding. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

If a medical term ends with -lysis, what does it indicate?

Explanation:
Suffix -lysis means breaking down or dissolving a substance. It is used to describe processes where tissues or cells are destroyed or dissolved, such as hemolysis, where red blood cells are broken down. Because of that, a medical term ending in -lysis conveys the idea of break down rather than repair, puncture, or removal, making “break down” the correct interpretation.

Suffix -lysis means breaking down or dissolving a substance. It is used to describe processes where tissues or cells are destroyed or dissolved, such as hemolysis, where red blood cells are broken down. Because of that, a medical term ending in -lysis conveys the idea of break down rather than repair, puncture, or removal, making “break down” the correct interpretation.

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