What does the suffix "-phagia" indicate?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Enhance your medical knowledge and prepare for your medical terminology test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations to excel in your exam. Gear up for success!

The suffix "-phagia" comes from Greek origins, where it means "to eat" or "to swallow." In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe conditions or actions related to eating or the act of swallowing. For instance, the term "dysphagia" refers to difficulty in swallowing, while "sarcophagia" would refer to the consumption of flesh. This suffix highlights its role specifically in relation to consumption and ingestion, which is why it is correctly identified as relating to eating or swallowing. Understanding this suffix can be particularly important for healthcare professionals when diagnosing or describing patients' conditions related to their ability to eat and swallow properly.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy