The suffix centesis means which?

The suffix centesis means which?

• A. Incision
• B. Drainage
• C. Puncture
• D. Injection

Answer: (C)

The suffix -centesis denotes a surgical puncture to remove fluid or gas from a body space. It indicates the procedure involves puncturing with the goal of aspiration. That’s why puncture fits best: amniocentesis, thoracentesis, and paracentesis all describe puncturing to withdraw fluid. Incision refers to cutting into tissue, injection means introducing something into the body, and while drainage can result from a puncture, the term -centesis specifically conveys the puncture method used to aspirate rather than simply the act of drainage.

The suffix -centesis denotes a surgical puncture to remove fluid or gas from a body space. It indicates the procedure involves puncturing with the goal of aspiration. That’s why puncture fits best: amniocentesis, thoracentesis, and paracentesis all describe puncturing to withdraw fluid. Incision refers to cutting into tissue, injection means introducing something into the body, and while drainage can result from a puncture, the term -centesis specifically conveys the puncture method used to aspirate rather than simply the act of drainage.