What does the suffix "-lysis" indicate?

The suffix "-lysis" originates from Greek, meaning "to loosen" or "to dissolve." In medical terminology, it typically refers to processes where something is broken down or released, such as in the case of cells or tissues. This is often used in terms like "hemolysis," which describes the breakdown of red blood cells, or "autolysis," signifying self-digestion of cells.

Understanding this can help clarify why the suffix is associated with the idea of dissolution or reduction in structure, as opposed to combining, destroying, or analyzing. The other options present terms that relate to different actions or processes, but they do not capture the essence of what "-lysis" represents within medical language.