Which term describes the process of surgical fixation in medical terminology?

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 term that describes the process of surgical fixation is represented by the suffix "-pexy." This suffix specifically refers to the surgical procedure of stabilizing or fixing an organ or part of the body in place. For instance, in the context of a medical procedure, a "hysteropexy" would involve the surgical fixation of the uterus.

In contrast, the suffixes found in the other choices denote different medical processes: "-tomy" refers to the act of cutting into or incising a part of the body; "-ostomy" denotes the creation of an opening, usually in reference to a stoma that is formed for excretory purposes; and "-rrhaphy" indicates the surgical suturing of a part or organ. Each of these has its distinct meaning and application in medical terminology, highlighting how important it is to understand these suffixes for accurate communication in healthcare settings.

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