What does the suffix "-emia" refer to?

The suffix "-emia" specifically refers to a condition related to the blood. It is derived from the Greek word "haima," meaning blood. This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote various states or diseases that affect the blood or the presence of certain substances in the blood. For example, "anemia" refers to a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, while "hyperglycemia" indicates an elevated level of glucose in the blood.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the meaning of "-emia." For instance, skin conditions would typically utilize suffixes such as "-derma" or "-itis," representing inflammation of the skin. Disease conditions are generally denoted with suffixes like "-pathy" or "-itis," while fluid filling might refer to terms involving "-cephalus" or "-edema," none of which connect directly to the concept of blood as indicated by "-emia." Thus, the correct understanding of "-emia" confirms it as a blood condition.