What is the role of a suffix in a medical term?

The role of a suffix in a medical term is to change the meaning of the root word it is attached to. A suffix typically provides additional information about a condition, procedure, or process, which helps to clarify the overall meaning of the term. For example, in the term "arthritis," the suffix "-itis" indicates inflammation, which modifies the root "arthr" (joint) to convey the specific meaning of joint inflammation. This ability to alter the meaning of the root word is crucial in the medical field, where precise terminology is essential for accurate communication and understanding.

The other options do not correctly describe the function of a suffix. Suffixes do not attach to the beginning of a word, nor do they indicate a plural form or always modify a prefix. Each option highlights different aspects of medical terminology but does not accurately represent the primary purpose of a suffix.