American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-plasty" indicate about a surgical procedure?

1. It involves entry into a bodily cavity

2. It restructures anatomical parts

3. It removes diseased tissues

4. It creates an artificial opening

The correct answer is: It restructures anatomical parts

The suffix "-plasty" is derived from the Greek word "plastos," which means molded or formed. In medical terminology, when you encounter a surgical procedure that includes this suffix, it typically indicates that the procedure is aimed at restructuring or reshaping anatomical parts or tissues. This can involve modifying the appearance, improving function, or restoring normal anatomy. For instance, procedures such as rhinoplasty (reshaping the nose) or angioplasty (repairing blood vessels) are examples of surgeries that carry the "-plasty" designation, clearly demonstrating their function to alter the specific structure. The other choices may pertain to different types of surgical procedures identified by other suffixes or terms. For example, procedures that remove tissues often use the suffix "-ectomy," which specifically indicates excision or removal. Meanwhile, creating an artificial opening or stoma would generally use the suffix "-stomy." Understanding these distinct suffixes helps clarify the purpose of various surgical interventions in medical terminology.