What does the suffix "tomy" specifically denote?

The suffix "tomy" specifically signifies an incision or surgical cut made into a particular organ or tissue. This term originates from the Greek word "tomia," which translates to "cutting." In medical terminology, it is commonly used to describe various surgical procedures that involve making an incision. For example, a "laparotomy" refers to an incision into the abdominal cavity, and "phlebotomy" involves making an incision into a vein, typically for the purpose of drawing blood.

The other options refer to different medical suffixes: "metry" denotes measurement, typically in the context of assessing or quantifying a specific characteristic. "scopy" refers to a visual examination of a body part using an instrument, such as in "endoscopy." Lastly, "stomy" relates to creating a new opening, particularly in the context of surgical procedures that establish a new pathway for bodily functions. Understanding these distinctions is key in interpreting medical terminology accurately.