What is indicated by the suffix "-ectomy"?

The suffix "-ectomy" signifies the surgical removal or cutting out of a specific part of the body. It originates from the Greek word "ektomē," which means "a cutting out." This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe various surgical procedures, such as appendectomy (removal of the appendix), mastectomy (removal of breast tissue), and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). Understanding this suffix is crucial for anyone in the medical field, as it helps to identify the nature of certain procedures quickly.

In contrast, the other options represent different meanings: "within, inside" refers to the concept of being internal, "on, above" indicates a position relative to something else, and "brain" pertains specifically to that organ itself. None of these effectively convey the meaning associated with "-ectomy."