In medical terminology, a surgical incision into the kidney is a/an:

• A. Nephrotomy
• B. Nephropexy
• C. Nephrolithiasis
• D. Nephrectomy

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the root word 'Nephro-' which refers to the kidney in medical terminology.
2. Step 2: Analyze the suffixes: '-tomy' means cutting into or incision, '-pexy' means surgical fixation, '-lithiasis' refers to the presence of stones, and '-ectomy' means surgical removal.
3. Step 3: Match the suffix with the meaning of the procedure: since the question asks for a surgical incision into the kidney, the suffix '-tomy' (incision) is the correct choice.
4. Step 4: Combine the root and suffix to form the term: 'Nephro-' + '-tomy' = 'Nephrotomy', which means a surgical incision into the kidney.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the other options do not fit the definition: 'Nephropexy' is fixation of the kidney, 'Nephrolithiasis' is kidney stones, and 'Nephrectomy' is removal of the kidney.