Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What does the suffix 'lysis' imply in a medical context?

Structure
Inflammation
Destruction
Formation

The correct answer is: Destruction

In a medical context, the suffix 'lysis' is derived from Greek, meaning the process of loosening or destruction. When it is used in medical terminology, it typically refers to the breakdown or destruction of cells, tissues, or substances within the body. For example, hemolysis describes the destruction of red blood cells, while autolysis refers to the self-digestion of cells by their own enzymes. Understanding the implication of 'lysis' can help in recognizing various medical conditions and processes that involve cell breakdown, aiding healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating diseases more effectively. This specific meaning is distinct and different from the other choices: 'structure' pertains to anatomy, 'inflammation' refers to the body's response to injury or infection, and 'formation' suggests building or creating something new, none of which capture the destructive nature associated with 'lysis'.