Which suffix denotes narrowing?

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The suffix that denotes narrowing is "stenosis." This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe a condition where a blood vessel or other tubular structure in the body becomes narrowed, which can potentially lead to reduced blood flow or other complications depending on the area of the body affected.

For example, in cardiovascular medicine, a "stenosis" might refer to the narrowing of coronary arteries, leading to issues such as angina or myocardial infarction due to restricted blood supply to the heart muscle. The prefix "steno-" specifically relates to narrowing, while the suffix "-sis" indicates a condition or process.

The other suffixes do not convey the concept of narrowing: "stasis" refers to stopping or standing still, often in a context of fluid flow; "algia" indicates pain; and "osis" generally refers to a condition, often one that is abnormal or diseased, but does not specifically signify narrowing. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for interpreting medical terminology accurately.

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