The suffix -pexy means which?

• A. Fixation
• B. Suspension
• C. Puncture
• D. Gate

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is what the suffix indicates about a procedure. The suffix -pexy means fixation of an organ in its proper place. It describes a surgical anchoring to keep an organ from moving or slipping. For example, nephropexy fixes the kidney in position, gastropexy anchors the stomach to the abdominal wall, and oophoropexy fixes an ovary. This is why fixation is the best match for -pexy.

Puncture would be indicated by a different concept (often linked to terms like centesis, meaning to puncture or puncture a cavity), not fixation. The notion of suspension isn’t conveyed by -pexy, and “gate” isn’t related to a medical suffix for procedures.