What does the suffix -emia refer to?

The suffix -emia specifically refers to a condition of the blood. This term is derived from the Greek word "haima," which means blood. In medical terminology, it is used to describe various disorders or conditions related to the blood, such as anemia (a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin) or leukemia (a type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues).

The other options refer to different aspects of medical conditions. The suffix for growth processes might be -plasia or -trophy, terms that describe the increase in cell numbers or mass. Eating disorders are typically identified with terms like "anorexia" or "bulimia," which do not incorporate the suffix -emia. Paralysis is described using terms like -plegia, which specifically denotes loss of ability to move. Therefore, the correct choice focuses specifically on blood-related conditions, aligning accurately with the meaning of the suffix -emia.