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Which suffix signifies "pertaining to" in medical terminology? A. -ac B. -iac C. -al D. -ar
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Step 1:
: Understand the question and its context.

The question asks us to identify the suffix in medical terminology that signifies "pertaining to." This refers to a suffix that can be added to a root word to create a term that describes something related to that root word.

Step 2:
: Recall common medical suffixes.

Some common medical suffixes include -ac, -al, -ar, and -ic. These suffixes can change the meaning of a root word by indicating a specific aspect or characteristic of the word's subject matter.

Step 3:
: Analyze the meaning of each suffix.

-ac: This suffix often forms adjectives from nouns and can indicate something that is "pertaining to" the noun. For example, hepat- means liver, and hepatic means "pertaining to the liver." -al: This suffix can indicate a relationship to a noun or a condition or quality of a noun. For example, cardial means "pertaining to the heart." -ar: This suffix can indicate a relationship to a noun or a condition or quality of a noun. For example, renal means "pertaining to the kidneys." -ic: This suffix can indicate a relationship to a noun or a condition or quality of a noun. For example, hemat- means blood, and hemat-ic means "pertaining to blood."

Step 4:
: Compare the meanings of each suffix.

All of these suffixes can indicate a relationship to a noun or a condition or quality of a noun. However, only one of them, -al, directly signifies "pertaining to" in medical terminology.

Final Answer

The suffix that signifies "pertaining to" in medical terminology is C. -al.