What type of medical procedure does the term "ectomy" refer to?

The term "ectomy" specifically refers to the surgical removal of a part of the body or an organ. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "ektome," meaning "to cut out." Procedures that involve the removal of tissues or organs, such as appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), fall under this category. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the nature of procedures that are described by this term, making it essential for medical professionals to recognize and understand its significance in surgical terminology.