What does the suffix "-eal" refer to?

The suffix "-eal" is used in medical terminology to denote a relationship or pertaining to something. For instance, in words like "esophageal," it means "pertaining to the esophagus." This suffix helps to form adjectives that describe anatomical structures or conditions in a concise manner. Utilizing this suffix allows for clear communication regarding the associations between different body parts or systems in the medical field.

The other options represent different suffixes or concepts that are not encapsulated by "-eal." For instance, there are suffixes that specifically relate to conditions or specialists, but none convey the same meaning of "pertaining to" as effectively as "-eal." This clarity and specificity make it an essential part of medical vocabulary.