What is the definition of the suffix "-tonic"?

The suffix "-tonic" relates specifically to tone. In medical terminology, tone generally refers to the state of tension or firmness in muscles or other tissues. For example, when used in terms such as "hypertonic" or "hypotonic," it describes conditions related to increased or decreased muscle tone, respectively. This connection to muscle tone is fundamental in understanding various medical conditions and their implications on bodily functions, particularly within the neuromuscular system.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different medical concepts. The suffix for inflammation typically involves "-itis," which indicates a condition characterized by inflammation. Stimulation is often denoted by prefixes like "stimulo-" or modifiers such as "-active," while development would relate to terms associated with growth, commonly reflected in suffixes like "-plasia" (formation) or "-genesis" (origination). Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the role that various suffixes play in medical vocabulary.