What is the medical term for an incision?

• A. -tomies
• B. -tomy
• C. -ectomy
• D. -orrhaphy

Answer: (B)

The medical term for an incision is represented by the suffix "-tomy." This suffix is derived from the Greek word "tomia," which means "cutting." In medical terminology, it indicates a surgical procedure involving an incision into a specific part of the body. For example, "laparotomy" refers to an incision into the abdominal cavity, while "osteotomy" refers to an incision into a bone. This is why the choice of "-tomy" is the correct answer in this context.

The other terms, while they relate to surgical procedures, designate different actions or types of surgery. The suffix "-tomies" refers to multiple incisions or procedures involving cutting, while "-ectomy" indicates the surgical removal of a part or organ (e.g., appendectomy means the removal of the appendix). On the other hand, "-orrhaphy" signifies a surgical repair or stitching of a part of the body. Though all these suffixes pertain to surgical interventions, only "-tomy" specifically denotes an incision.