What does the suffix '-plegia' specifically mean?

The suffix '-plegia' specifically denotes paralysis or complete loss of muscle function in a particular region of the body. It originates from the Greek word "plege," meaning stroke, and is often used in medical terminology to describe conditions where there is an impairment of voluntary movement. For example, conditions such as "hemiplegia" refer to paralysis affecting one side of the body, while "quadriplegia" implies paralysis of all four limbs. This suffix is distinct from other terms in this context; for instance, 'weakness' refers to reduced strength rather than complete loss of function, making it important to differentiate between various degrees and types of movement impairment.