What does the suffix "-emia" refer to?

The suffix "-emia" specifically refers to a condition related to the blood. It derives from the Greek word "haima," meaning blood, and is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate various blood disorders or conditions. For instance, terms like "anemia" (a deficiency of red blood cells) and "leukemia" (a type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues) illustrate how this suffix is applied to describe issues pertaining to blood health.

Understanding the significance of "-emia" helps in recognizing and interpreting medical vocabulary accurately, especially in contexts related to hematology, the study of blood. Other suffixes in the options may deal with different bodily systems or conditions but do not pertain specifically to blood, which underscores the importance of knowing the precise meaning of common medical suffixes like "-emia."