15 Multiple Choice 25 points
The suffix-stomy means:
hardening
opening
enlargement
surgical procedure to remove fluid
bursting forth (of blood)

The suffix “-stomy” refers to a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the body. It is often used in medical terminology to describe procedures that create an artificial opening for a variety of bodily functions, such as colostomy or ileostomy. A fun fact: this term comes from the Greek word “stoma,” which means “mouth” or “opening”!

In medical practice, “-stomy” procedures are essential for patients who may have had surgery on their digestive tracts or urinary systems. For instance, a colostomy allows waste to exit the body through an opening in the abdomen when the normal pathway is obstructed or needs to be bypassed. It’s amazing how language in medicine reflects the anatomy and functions of the body!