Which suffix denotes something that is “pertaining to” and is often found in medical terminology?

The suffix that means "pertaining to" and is commonly found in medical terminology is –ary. This suffix is used to form adjectives representing a relationship or connection to a specific root word. For example, in terms like "pulmonary" (pertaining to the lungs) or "coronary" (pertaining to the heart), the suffix clearly indicates that the term relates to the anatomical structures specified by the root.

Understanding this suffix is vital because it allows healthcare professionals to convey complex ideas succinctly. The other suffixes listed also have specific meanings and applications in medical terminology, but they do not uniformly denote the relationship or "pertaining to" in the same way as –ary does. For instance, while –ous can imply a quality or suitability related to a substance (as in "mucous"), the direct connection indicative of -ary is more prevalent in anatomical and physiological contexts, making it specifically significant in medical language.