The suffix "-plasty" is commonly associated with what kind of procedures?

The suffix "-plasty" specifically refers to surgical procedures that involve the repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a specific area of the body. It is derived from the Greek word "plastos," meaning "formed" or "molded." Surgical techniques that incorporate "-plasty" typically aim to restore function, appearance, or both, often in contexts such as cosmetic surgery (e.g., rhinoplasty for reshaping the nose) or orthopedic surgery (e.g., arthroplasty for joint replacement).

The other options do not align with the definition of "-plasty." Diagnostic tests involve evaluating health conditions but do not involve surgical intervention. Pharmaceutical formulations focus on the preparation of medications, while therapeutic treatments can encompass a wide range of non-surgical interventions designed to improve health without specifically implying a repair or improvement surgery, unlike procedures designated by "-plasty." Thus, because "-plasty" is explicitly linked to surgical repair or improvement of the body, the correct understanding of this suffix aligns it directly with surgical procedures.