Which term means crushing of gallstones?

• A. Cholecystogram
• B. Thoracentesis
• C. Cholelithotripsy
• D. Pneumothorax

Answer: (C)

Crushing of stones is indicated by the suffix that means crushing, combined with the roots for gall stones. cholelithotripsy uses chole- (bile, gall), lith- (stone), and -tripsy (crushing), so it specifically means crushing gallstones. A related term such as cholecystogram would be an imaging test of the gallbladder with contrast, not a crushing procedure. Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space around the lungs, and pneumothorax is air in the pleural space—neither relates to gallstones or their crushing.