CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-esis" refer to?

1. Process

2. Condition

3. Fluid

4. Cell

The correct answer is: Condition

The suffix "-esis" specifically refers to a condition or state related to a particular process. In medical terminology, it is often used to denote a pathological condition or abnormal state. For example, terms like "neurogenesis" indicate the condition of generating new neurons, while "atherogenesis" refers to the condition of forming fatty deposits in the arteries. In contrast, the other suffixes relate to different concepts: "process" typically pertains to "-osis" or "-ism," "fluid" might relate to "-a," such as in "plasma," and "cell" is commonly denoted by "-cyte," as seen in "erythrocyte." Understanding these distinctions can help in interpreting medical terms and conditions accurately.