Provide the plural form and the meaning for the following term: paracentesis.

• A. paracenteses, puncture of a body cavity for fluid removal.
• B. paracentesises, surgical removal of tissue
• C. paracenteses, incision into a cavity to visualize internal structures
• D. paracentesis, inflammation of the peritoneum

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the root word and suffix in the term 'paracentesis'. The suffix '-centesis' refers to a surgical puncture to remove fluid.
2. Recall the rule for forming plurals of medical terms ending in '-esis'. Typically, the plural changes '-esis' to '-eses'.
3. Apply this rule to 'paracentesis' to form the plural: 'paracenteses'.
4. Understand the meaning of 'paracentesis' as a procedure involving puncture of a body cavity to remove fluid, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
5. Match the plural form 'paracenteses' with the correct meaning: 'puncture of a body cavity for fluid removal'.