What kind of medical terminology might involve "-megaly" as part of its definition?

Prepare for the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Test with study flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and detailed explanations to help you ace the exam!

The suffix “-megaly” is a term used in medical terminology to indicate the enlargement or growth of an organ or tissue. When the term includes “-megaly,” it usually describes a condition in which a specific organ is abnormally enlarged beyond its normal size, often due to various underlying health issues or disease processes. For example, conditions such as cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart) or hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) utilize this suffix to convey the organ's state of enlargement.

The other options involve different medical suffixes or terms. The concept of loss of sensation typically employs terms like “-esthesia” or “anesthesia” rather than “-megaly.” The act of puncturing a cavity is described with terms like “-centesis.” Finally, excessive fluid discharge would relate to terms such as “-rrhea” or “-emesis,” not “-megaly.” Thus, the definition involving “-megaly” is specifically tied to the growth or enlargement of organs, making it the correct choice.

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