What does the suffix "-atic" refer to?

The suffix "-atic" is used in medical terminology to indicate "pertaining to" or "related to." This suffix is often added to root words to form adjectives that describe conditions or attributes associated with the root. For example, in the word "neurotic," the suffix "-atic" indicates something related to the nerves.

In this case, the correct choice emphasizes the connection that the suffix establishes between a root and its descriptive meaning. The other options do not define the suffix accurately—while "immature," "carbon dioxide," and "heart condition" point to specific concepts or entities, they do not encapsulate the general nature of "-atic" as a descriptor of relation or pertinence. Therefore, understanding the role of the suffix "-atic" helps in decoding medical terms and grasping their meanings more comprehensively.