Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What does the suffix “-al” indicate in medical terminology?

1. Without

2. Concerning

3. Pertaining to

4. Resembling

The correct answer is: Pertaining to

The suffix “-al” in medical terminology indicates something that is pertaining to or relating to a particular subject, condition, or process. It is commonly used in various medical terms to specify a relationship or characteristic of the root word it follows. For instance, in the term "cardiac," the suffix suggests that something is pertaining to the heart, which is denoted by the root "cardi-." Similarly, medical terms like "renal" refer to aspects concerning the kidneys. This highlights how the suffix helps convey important information regarding the association of the term with anatomical structures or functions. The other options denote different concepts: "without" describes absence, "concerning" implies a more general relationship that may not specify direct association, and "resembling" indicates likeness or similarity rather than direct association or relation. Understanding the role of such suffixes is essential for comprehending medical terminology and ensuring clear communication in a healthcare context.