* -algia (pain): This suffix usually combines with a word root describing the affected body part. For example:
* Cephalalgia (headache): "cephal-" (head) + "-algia" (pain)
* Myalgia (muscle pain): "my-" (muscle) + "-algia" (pain)
* -otomy (cutting, incision): This suffix also requires a combining form to specify the location or structure being cut. Examples:
* Tracheotomy (incision into the trachea): "trache-" (trachea) + "-otomy" (incision)
* Craniotomy (incision into the skull): "crani-" (skull) + "-otomy" (incision)
* -rrhea (flow, discharge): While not always requiring a combining form, it often does to specify the type of flow or discharge. Examples:
* Diarrhea (excessive watery stool): "di-" (through) + "-rrhea" (flow)
* Rhinorrhea (runny nose): "rhino-" (nose) + "-rrhea" (flow)
Combining forms are essential in medical terminology because they allow for precise and concise communication about body parts, functions, and conditions.
Important Note: Not all suffixes need combining forms. Some, like "-itis" (inflammation), "-emia" (blood condition), and "-osis" (abnormal condition), often stand alone or combine with simpler prefixes like "hyper-" (excessive) or "hypo-" (deficient).