Which root word indicates "opening"?

The root word that indicates "opening" is "-ostomy." This suffix originates from the Greek word “stoma,” meaning mouth or opening. It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to a surgical procedure that creates an opening from an organ to the outside of the body. Examples include colostomy and ileostomy, which describe openings created for the colon and ileum, respectively. Understanding this term and its applications is crucial for those in medical fields, including deposition reporters who may encounter these terms in legal documentation and testimony.

The other options relate to different concepts in medical terminology. "-otomy" means "cutting into" and refers to surgical procedures that involve making incisions, such as in laparotomy. "Orth-" typically pertains to straight or correct, often used in contexts like orthopedics. "Neuro-" relates to nerves or the nervous system. Each of these root words serves a distinct purpose and applies to different medical contexts.