Which suffix denotes paralysis?

Which suffix denotes paralysis?

• A. -algia
• B. -itis
• C. -osis
• D. -plegia

Answer: (D)

Suffixes in medical terms tell you what kind of condition or symptom is described. The one that indicates paralysis is -plegia, from a Greek root meaning to strike or to be paralyzed. When you see -plegia, think of loss of muscle function, such as hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). Other common suffixes show different meanings: -algia means pain (neuralgia is nerve pain, arthralgia is joint pain), -itis means inflammation (tonsillitis, dermatitis), and -osis denotes a condition or process, often a diseased or abnormal state (fibrosis, sclerosis). So -plegia uniquely points to paralysis, making it the best choice here.

Suffixes in medical terms tell you what kind of condition or symptom is described. The one that indicates paralysis is -plegia, from a Greek root meaning to strike or to be paralyzed. When you see -plegia, think of loss of muscle function, such as hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).

Other common suffixes show different meanings: -algia means pain (neuralgia is nerve pain, arthralgia is joint pain), -itis means inflammation (tonsillitis, dermatitis), and -osis denotes a condition or process, often a diseased or abnormal state (fibrosis, sclerosis). So -plegia uniquely points to paralysis, making it the best choice here.