What does the suffix -pexy indicate?

• A. Lifting or surgical fixation
• B. Destruction of tissue
• C. Measurement technique
• D. Removal of an organ

Answer: (A)

The suffix -pexy is used in medical terminology to denote "lifting" or "surgical fixation." This term is often found in surgical procedures where organs or tissues are fixed in place to correct a medical condition or to provide structural support. For example, the term "mastopexy" refers to the surgical fixation of the breast, which may be performed to raise and reshape sagging breasts.

The other suffixes listed represent different concepts: -ecomy refers to the removal of an organ, -metry signifies a measurement technique, and -lysis pertains to the destruction of tissue. Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the various medical procedures and their purposes, highlighting the specific indication of -pexy for surgical fixation.