What does the term '-thorax' indicate?

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Prepare for the Rutgers Medical Terminology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your examination!

The suffix '-thorax' is derived from the Greek word 'thorakos,' which specifically refers to the chest area of the body. In medical terminology, this suffix is commonly used in various contexts to indicate the presence of something in the chest or to describe conditions related to the thoracic cavity. For example, 'pneumothorax' refers to the presence of air in the pleural space around the lungs, while 'hemothorax' refers to blood in the thoracic cavity. Understanding this term is fundamental in fields such as medicine and anatomy, as it aids in accurately articulating conditions pertaining to the chest region.

The other options do not correctly represent the meaning of the suffix. 'Abdomen' refers to the area of the body between the chest and pelvis, 'head' indicates the uppermost part of the body containing the brain and face, and 'pelvis' pertains to the lower part of the trunk, which is unrelated to the thoracic region. Therefore, C is the most appropriate choice as it aligns directly with the definition and anatomical location described by '-thorax.'

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