What does the suffix '-tome' designate?

The suffix '-tome' derives from Greek and is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to an instrument that is designed for cutting or incising tissues. Instruments with this suffix are specifically made for surgical procedures where precise cuts are necessary. For example, a "scalpel" can be considered a type of tome since it is used to make incisions during surgery. The use of '-tome' helps in identifying the function of such instruments within a clinical context, which is essential to medical professionals when it comes to understanding tools used in surgical environments.

The other options do not align with the meaning of '-tome'. For instance, medications are identified differently and do not inherently suggest cutting or incising, while physical therapy focuses on rehabilitation techniques and exercises rather than instruments. Similarly, surgical procedures are actions performed but do not refer to the tools used to perform them. The distinction is important for practitioners to understand when discussing clinical equipment and procedures.