What is the significance of the medical suffix "-ctomy"?

The suffix "-ctomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomē," which means "to cut out." In medical terminology, it is specifically used to indicate the surgical removal of a specific part of the body. For example, "appendectomy" refers to the removal of the appendix, and "cholecystectomy" denotes the removal of the gallbladder. This suffix is crucial for understanding the nature of surgical procedures and the interventions performed on patients.

While the other suffixes in the choices represent different medical concepts—such as conditions, studies, or processes—they do not convey the specific action of surgical removal that "-ctomy" does. Thus, the answer highlighting the significance of "-ctomy" aligns accurately with its meaning in a medical context.