What does the suffix -sclerosis mean in the term arteriosclerosis?
a. abnormal hardening
b. abnormal softening
c. abnormal narrowing
d. tissue death
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is a. abnormal hardening.
Explanation:
The suffix “-sclerosis” is derived from the Greek word “skleros,” which means hard or hardening. When this suffix is used in medical terminology, it generally refers to the abnormal hardening of tissues or organs. Therefore, in the term “arteriosclerosis,” the suffix “-sclerosis” indicates the hardening of the arteries, a condition that can result in the loss of elasticity and narrowing of the arteries.
Arteriosclerosis is a general term that refers to the thickening and stiffening of the arterial walls, which can impair blood flow. It is often caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, calcium, and other substances on the arterial walls, leading to their hardening. This process can happen naturally with age but is also significantly accelerated by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and diabetes. As the arterial walls harden, they become less flexible and may not be able to expand and contract properly with each heartbeat, thus reducing the efficiency of blood circulation.
In addition to arteriosclerosis, there are other conditions that involve hardening of tissues, such as multiple sclerosis (hardening of the nerve tissue in the central nervous system) and cardiosclerosis (hardening of the heart tissue), all of which share the “-sclerosis” suffix, highlighting the abnormal hardening process that characterizes these diseases.
Understanding the meaning of the suffix “-sclerosis” helps clarify the nature of these medical conditions, all of which involve a pathological increase in the rigidity of affected tissues or organs, often leading to a loss of function.