Which term best describes a state of excessive or abnormal tissue growth?

Prepare for the HOSA Medical Terminology Test. Utilize interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to master prefixes and suffixes essential for HOSA certification. Gear up for success!

The most appropriate term for describing a state of excessive or abnormal tissue growth is associated with the suffix "-oma." This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote tumors, which can indicate both benign and malignant growths of tissue. For example, "adenoma" refers to a benign tumor formed from glandular tissue, while "sarcoma" refers to a malignant tumor arising from connective tissues.

The suffix "-itis" refers to inflammation, which does not specifically relate to tissue growth but rather indicates a process involving swelling and irritation.

The suffix "-osis" typically suggests a condition or disease state but does not specifically denote growth. It is often used in contexts where an abnormal condition or increase of certain cells is mentioned, but it lacks the implication of neoplastic or tumor-like growth that "-oma" provides.

The suffix "-rhexis" relates to rupture or breaking, referring to the breaking of cells or tissues rather than any form of growth.

Therefore, "-oma" is the term that clearly conveys the concept of abnormal or excessive tissue development, making it the best choice for this question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy