What is the term used to describe a condition of enlargement?

The term that describes a condition of enlargement is derived from the Greek word "megalos," which means large or great. The suffix "-megaly" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote an abnormal enlargement of an organ or a part of the body. For example, "hepatomegaly" refers to an enlargement of the liver.

Understanding this suffix is crucial for medical assistants as it allows them to communicate effectively about various conditions and relate them to patient care. The other options, while relevant to medical terminology, pertain to different concepts and do not denote enlargement. For instance, "-gram" refers to a record or image (like in a mammogram), "-oma" signifies a tumor or mass, and "-malacia" indicates a softening, especially in the context of tissues. Hence, "-megaly" is specifically the correct term for indicating enlargement.