What is the meaning of the term '-tension' in medicine?

The suffix '-tension' in medical terminology specifically refers to pressure. This is often seen in various terms where pressure is a critical factor, such as 'hypertension' (high blood pressure) or 'hypotension' (low blood pressure). In these cases, '-tension' indicates the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels, which is an essential aspect of cardiovascular health.

Understanding this term is vital for interpreting various medical conditions and their implications for patient care. While relaxation, stress, and recovery may have relevance in specific clinical contexts, they do not capture the precise meaning of '-tension' used in a medical setting, which fundamentally relates to the concept of pressure within the body's systems.