What does the suffix '-penia' imply when attached to a medical term?

What does the suffix '-penia' imply when attached to a medical term?

• A. Excess or overabundance
• B. Lack or deficiency of
• C. Inflammation or irritation
• D. Hardening of tissue

Answer: (B)

The suffix '-penia' denotes a lack or deficiency of a particular substance or element in the body. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe conditions such as leukopenia, which refers to a deficiency in the number of white blood cells, or thrombocytopenia, indicating a lower than normal platelet count. The usage of this suffix conveys a critical aspect of patient health that may require attention or intervention, often guiding the treatment decisions of healthcare professionals. In contrast, other suffixes, such as '-osis' or '-itis,' are used to describe different conditions, emphasizing the specificity and importance of the language in medical communication.

The suffix '-penia' denotes a lack or deficiency of a particular substance or element in the body. It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe conditions such as leukopenia, which refers to a deficiency in the number of white blood cells, or thrombocytopenia, indicating a lower than normal platelet count. The usage of this suffix conveys a critical aspect of patient health that may require attention or intervention, often guiding the treatment decisions of healthcare professionals. In contrast, other suffixes, such as '-osis' or '-itis,' are used to describe different conditions, emphasizing the specificity and importance of the language in medical communication.