What is the meaning of the suffix '-tome' or '-tomy'?

The suffix '-tome' or '-tomy' comes from the Greek word 'tomia,' which means "to cut." This suffix is commonly used in various medical and scientific terms to indicate a procedure involving cutting or incising a structure. For example, in medical terminology, a 'gastrotomy' refers to an incision into the stomach, clearly reflecting the cutting aspect of the suffix.

In this case, the correct answer emphasizes the central meaning associated with the suffix, which is essential for understanding various terms in medical and anatomical contexts. The other options refer to meanings unrelated to cutting or incising, which helps clarify why they do not fit the context established by the suffixes in question.