Tomy is a suffix meaning incision into. A duoden/o/tomy is an incision into the ______/_________.
An incision into the duodenum is a ______/_____/_____.
A gastr/ectomy is a surgical procedure. When a gastr/ic ulcer has perforated, a partial ___/______ may be indicated to remove part of the stomach.
NOTE: Remember, the combining form is not used when the suffix begins with a vowel.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers:
- A duoden/o/tomy is an incision into the duodenum.
- An incision into the duodenum is a duoden/o/tomy.
- A gastr/ectomy is a surgical procedure. When a gastr/ic ulcer has perforated, a partial gastrectomy may be indicated to remove part of the stomach.
Explanation
In medical terminology, understanding word parts—prefixes, combining forms, and suffixes—is essential for interpreting and forming accurate medical terms. The suffix “-tomy” comes from Greek, meaning “cutting into” or “incision into.” When added to the root of a word, it describes a surgical procedure involving cutting or opening a particular part of the body.
The combining form “duoden/o” refers to the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. So, the term duodenotomy (duoden/o/tomy) literally means “an incision into the duodenum.” This procedure may be required in cases such as obstruction, ulcer disease, or to gain access for other surgical interventions.
Similarly, gastrectomy is composed of “gastr” (referring to the stomach) and “-ectomy,” a suffix meaning “surgical removal of.” Therefore, gastrectomy means “surgical removal of all or part of the stomach.” In the case of a perforated gastric ulcer, where the ulcer has created a hole in the stomach wall, a partial gastrectomy may be performed to remove the damaged section and prevent further complications like infection or bleeding.
It’s also important to observe the rule that combining vowels (like the “o” in “duoden/o” or “gastr/o”) are not used when the suffix begins with a vowel. For example, in “gastrectomy,” we do not insert an “o” between “gastr” and “ectomy” because “ectomy” starts with a vowel. However, when the suffix begins with a consonant (like in “-tomy”), the combining vowel is used, forming “duodenotomy.”
Mastering these construction rules helps in accurately understanding complex medical terms, improving communication among healthcare professionals, and ensuring better patient care.
