Which term means "pain" 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 denotes "pain" in medical terminology is indeed represented by the suffix "-algia." This suffix is derived from the Greek word "algos," which means pain. It is commonly used in various medical terms to indicate discomfort or pain associated with a specific body part or system. For example, "neuralgia" refers to pain along the course of a nerve, while "fibromyalgia" signifies pain in the musculoskeletal system along with fatigue and other symptoms.

The other options, while related to different medical concepts, do not refer to pain:

  • "-lepsy" relates to seizures or convulsions, commonly seen in terms like "epilepsy."

  • "-emia" pertains to blood conditions, as seen in terms like "anemia," which describes a deficiency of red blood cells.

  • "-itis" indicates inflammation, such as in "arthritis," which means inflammation of the joints.

Thus, "-algia" is the correct suffix that directly communicates the concept of pain in medical terminology.

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