Which suffix means creating an entrance to an organ?

• A. -emia
• B. -osis
• C. -otomy
• D. -ostomy

Answer: (D)

Creating an entrance to an organ is shown by a suffix that denotes forming an opening, a stoma. The suffix -ostomy means the surgical creation of an opening between an organ and the outside or another surface. This is why terms like colostomy or gastrostomy describe making a new opening for passage. In contrast, -emia refers to a blood condition, -osis to a process or abnormal state, and -otomy means cutting into or opening a structure (an incision) but not necessarily making an exterior opening. So the suffix that best fits the idea of creating an entrance to an organ is -ostomy.