American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which suffix indicates an examination of a body part?

1. -centesis

2. -scopy

3. -desis

4. -ectomy

The correct answer is: -scopy

The suffix that indicates an examination of a body part is "-scopy." This suffix originates from the Greek word "skopein," which means "to look or to examine." It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to procedures that involve visual inspection of the interior of a body part or organ, often with the aid of a specialized instrument. For example, a colonoscopy is an examination of the colon using a scope. Similarly, a gastroscopy involves examining the stomach. The use of "-scopy" signifies that the procedure involves observing and evaluating a specific body area, which is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions. Other suffixes provided serve different purposes. "-centesis" refers to a surgical puncture to remove fluid, such as in amniocentesis. "-desis" denotes a surgical fixation or binding of a body part, like in arthrodesis, where joints are fused. Finally, "-ectomy" indicates the removal of a body part, such as in appendectomy, where the appendix is removed. Each of these suffixes conveys a distinct aspect of medical procedures, while "-scopy" specifically pertains to examination through viewing.