Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

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Which of the following terms refers to the surgical removal of a lymph node?

Lymphadenoplasty
Lymphadenotomy
Lymphangiectomy
Lymphadenectomy

The correct answer is: Lymphadenectomy

The correct term for the surgical removal of a lymph node is "lymphadenectomy." This procedure typically involves the excision of one or more lymph nodes for diagnostic purposes, such as assessing if cancer has spread, or for therapeutic reasons, such as removing cancerous nodes to reduce the risk of metastasis. In this context, understanding the components of the word helps clarify its meaning: "lymph" refers to lymphatic tissue, "aden" relates to glands or nodes, and "ectomy" denotes surgical removal. Therefore, lymphadenectomy directly translates to the surgical removal of lymph nodes. Other terms listed pertain to different procedures or anatomical contexts. For example, lymphadenoplasty would imply a surgical reconstruction or repair of lymph nodes, which does not refer to their removal. Lymphadenotomy suggests an incision into a lymph node rather than its complete removal. Lymphangiectomy pertains to the removal of lymphatic vessels, not lymph nodes themselves. Recognizing these distinctions ensures a firm understanding of surgical terminology related to the lymphatic system.