What does the suffix -plasia refer to?

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Study for the Rutgers Medical Terminology Exam, featuring multiple choice questions and detailed explanations to boost your understanding. Prepare confidently to ace your exam!

The suffix -plasia is derived from the Greek word "plassein," which means to form or mold. In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the formation, development, or growth of tissues and cells. This is why the answer indicating "formation of cells" is the correct choice.

For example, terms like "hyperplasia" indicate an increase in the number of cells in a tissue, while "dysplasia" refers to abnormal development or growth of cells. Understanding this suffix helps in interpreting various medical conditions related to tissue and cellular growth or abnormalities. The other options do not align with the definition of -plasia, as they pertain to different concepts, such as movement or vocalization, which do not connect with the formation or development of cells.

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