What medical term denotes weakness, particularly in muscles?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Study for the Rutgers Medical Terminology Exam. Use multiple choice questions and flashcards, each with hints and explanations. Ensure success on your exam!

The suffix "-asthenia" refers to weakness or lack of strength, particularly in the context of muscles. It is derived from the Greek word "asthenes," meaning weak. When used in medical terminology, it helps to describe conditions where there is a notable decrease in muscle strength or function. For instance, myasthenia gravis is a condition characterized by pronounced muscle weakness.

Other terms presented do not relate specifically to muscle weakness. For example, "-dysphagia" refers to difficulty in swallowing, not weakness. "-neurolysis" involves the surgical destruction or removal of nerve tissues, which is unrelated to muscular weakness. Lastly, "-sarcopenia" describes the loss of muscle mass or strength due to aging, but it does not specifically denote weakness in the way that "-asthenia" does. Thus, the term that most accurately describes weakness, especially in muscles, is indeed "-asthenia."

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy