The suffix -centesis denotes puncture?

• A. Suture
• B. Removal
• C. Examination
• D. Puncture

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is what the suffix -centesis means in medical terms. This suffix indicates a puncture procedure in which a needle or instrument punctures a body cavity or sac to withdraw fluid or obtain a sample. That’s why terms like amniocentesis or thoracentesis are defined as puncturing to remove liquid. The other actions described by the distractors—suturing (stitching tissue), removal (a general excision concept), or examination (inspecting or viewing)—do not convey puncturing, so they don’t match the meaning of -centesis. Therefore, the suffix -centesis denotes puncture.