Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

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Which suffix is used to indicate an abnormal state?

  1. -ectomy

  2. -ia

  3. -itis

  4. -osis

The correct answer is: -osis

The suffix "-osis" is used to denote an abnormal condition or state, typically implying a process of disease or an increase in a particular type of cellular or tissue element. This suffix is often associated with non-inflammatory conditions or an overdevelopment of a function or structure, distinguishing it from other suffixes that imply different meanings. For example, in medical terminology, terms like "scoliosis" indicate an abnormal curvature of the spine, while "nephrosis" refers to a kidney disorder characterized by the presence of excess protein in the urine. Such uses underscore how "-osis" specifically relates to abnormal physiological or pathological states, making it the most accurate choice for indicating an abnormal condition among the options given.