What does the medical term "-ostomy" mean?

The suffix "-ostomy" is derived from the Greek word "stoma," which means "mouth" or "opening." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to surgically creating an opening in a body structure. This is often performed in procedures such as colostomy or tracheostomy, where an external opening is formed to allow for the discharge of bodily waste or to facilitate breathing, respectively. This clear definition aligns with the context of surgical procedures and emphasizes the purpose of such interventions in medical practice, confirming that this choice accurately captures the meaning of the term.

The other choices refer to different medical concepts: an abnormal condition relates to diseases or disorders; pertaining to usually signifies a relationship or connection to a condition; and to bear offspring describes the process of reproduction. Thus, these terms do not connect to the surgical intent behind "-ostomy."