Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-plasty" mean?

1. Surgical removal

2. Surgical incision

3. Surgical repair

4. Surgical examination

The correct answer is: Surgical repair

The suffix "-plasty" is used in medical terminology to denote a surgical repair or reconstruction of a specific body part. This term is derived from the Greek word "plastos," which means molded or formed. In practice, when a medical professional mentions a procedure such as "rhinoplasty," it refers to the surgical repair or reshaping of the nose. Understanding the meanings of medical suffixes is crucial for accurately interpreting medical terms, as they provide key information about the nature of the procedure being described. This is a standard convention in medical language, where different suffixes indicate various types of surgical interventions, making it essential for healthcare professionals to be familiar with these terms for effective communication and documentation.