The suffix -plegia signifies which condition?

• A. Pain
• B. Swelling
• C. Numbness
• D. Paralysis

Answer: (D)

Suffixes in medical terms signal the condition affecting a body part. The ending -plegia denotes paralysis—the loss of voluntary muscle movement. When this suffix attaches to a root, it names the affected part and the state. For example, hemiplegia means paralysis on one side of the body; paraplegia means paralysis of the legs; quadriplegia means paralysis of all four limbs. This is distinct from pain (often -algia) and from numbness (described by terms like anesthesia or paresthesia). So -plegia specifically indicates paralysis.