What does the suffix '-emia' indicate in medical terminology?

The suffix '-emia' is derived from the Greek word 'haima,' meaning blood. In medical terminology, it is used to denote a condition related to the blood. When this suffix is added to a word root, it typically indicates the presence of a particular substance in the blood or a specific blood-related condition. For example, 'anemia' refers to a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, while 'leukemia' denotes a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, resulting in the production of abnormal white blood cells.

The other answer choices do not align with the specific meaning associated with '-emia.' While 'record' may relate to documentation in medical terms, and 'surgical repair' refers to procedures like 'plasty' or 'rrhaphy,' they do not convey the specialized connection to blood that '-emia' does. Similarly, 'condition' is too broad and lacks the specificity that characterizes '-emia' in medical terminology. Thus, recognizing that '-emia' signifies a blood condition provides essential insight into many medical contexts and conditions affecting hematological health.