Which suffix indicates a disease or condition?

• A. -itis
• B. -osis
• C. -genisis
• D. -ptosis

Answer: (B)

The suffix that indicates a disease or condition is -osis. This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a pathological state or a disease process. For example, "nephrosis" refers to a disease affecting the kidneys, while "sclerosis" indicates a hardening of tissues or organs. The use of -osis typically signifies an abnormal condition or a disease state, distinguishing it from normal physiological processes.

While -itis refers specifically to inflammation (as seen in terms like "appendicitis"), -genesis denotes the origin or formation of something (e.g., "carcinogenesis"), and -ptosis indicates a drooping or sagging condition (like in "nephroptosis"), these suffixes do not universally signify disease or condition in the same broad context as -osis does. Thus, understanding the specificity of each suffix helps clarify their respective meanings in medical terminology.