In medical terms, which suffix indicates the action of falling or dropping?

The suffix that indicates the action of falling or dropping is "-ptosis." In medical terminology, "-ptosis" derives from the Greek word "ptōsis," meaning "a falling" or "a falling down." It is used to describe conditions where an organ or body part is displaced or droops from its normal position. For instance, "blepharoptosis" refers to the drooping of the eyelid.

Understanding other medical suffixes helps clarify how they differ in meaning. For example, "-ostomy" refers to the creation of an opening or stoma, commonly used in procedures like colostomy. The suffix "-disease" denotes a pathological condition but does not imply any action like falling or dropping. Finally, "-phagia" pertains to eating or swallowing, which again does not relate to the concept of dropping or falling.

Thus, "-ptosis" is the precise term used in medical language to communicate the idea of descent or drooping.