What does the suffix "-cele" indicate?

The suffix "-cele" is used in medical terminology to denote a hernia or protrusion. This term is derived from the Greek word "kele," meaning a swelling or tumor. In a clinical context, terms such as "herniated disc" (discectomy), "meningocele" (protrusion of the meninges), or "cystocele" (protrusion of the urinary bladder into the anterior wall of the vagina) all utilize this suffix to describe a condition where an organ or tissue becomes bulged or protrudes through a defect in an adjacent structure.

This indicates that the underlying tissue structure has become weak or compromised, allowing for this kind of abnormal protrusion. Understanding this suffix is key in identifying various medical conditions related to hernias and the treatment options that may be necessary to address these protrusions. Other choices, while relevant in medical terminology, indicate different conditions and do not accurately describe the meaning of "-cele."