What does the suffix "-y" commonly refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix “-y” in medical terminology frequently signifies a process or condition. It is derived from Greek and is utilized to denote an action, process, or condition that signifies a particular state or quality. For example, "surgery" refers to the process of performing surgical procedures, and "anatomy" indicates the process or state of being cut up or dissected.

This suffix provides a way to form nouns that capture the essence of a specific process or condition related to health or disease, making it a versatile element in medical terms. In contrast, while the other choices refer to more specific conditions or types of examination, they do not encompass the broader meaning associated with the suffix “-y.”