The suffix -ectasis corresponds to which meaning?

Master the Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology Test. Engage with flashcards and quizzes, detailed explanations provided. Enhance your medical vocabulary for exam success.

Multiple Choice

The suffix -ectasis corresponds to which meaning?

Explanation:
The idea here is that the suffix -ectasis signals dilation or enlargement of a hollow structure. When you see -ectasis, you’re being told that the organ or vessel has widened or stretched open. That makes expansion the best fit. For example, bronchiectasis means the bronchi are dilated. The suffix isn’t about naming a body part itself (like the spinal column, abdomen, or ear drum) but about a process of widening those hollow structures.

The idea here is that the suffix -ectasis signals dilation or enlargement of a hollow structure. When you see -ectasis, you’re being told that the organ or vessel has widened or stretched open. That makes expansion the best fit. For example, bronchiectasis means the bronchi are dilated. The suffix isn’t about naming a body part itself (like the spinal column, abdomen, or ear drum) but about a process of widening those hollow structures.

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