What does the suffix '-tomy' mean?

The suffix '-tomy' comes from Greek, specifically meaning "to cut" or "cutting." In the context of medical terminology, it is frequently used to denote a surgical procedure that involves making an incision into a part of the body. For example, 'laparotomy' refers to a surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdominal cavity. This suffix highlights a direct action related to making cuts or incisions in various medical practices.

Understanding this suffix is important for comprehending many terms in medical and anatomical fields, as it indicates the nature of the procedure being described. It helps practitioners convey specific actions clearly and precisely within their professional communication. The other options relate to different concepts; for instance, "study of" pertains to the suffix '-logy,' "remove" aligns more closely with terms like '-ectomy,' and "join" relates to '-stomy' or '-fusion.' Recognizing the distinct meanings of these suffixes is crucial for forming accurate medical terminology.