Cele- denotes which condition?

• A. Ulcer
• B. Abscess
• C. Hernia
• D. Cyst

Answer: (C)

The suffix -cele indicates a hernia or protrusion of an organ through its normal boundary. It describes a bulging or shifting of tissue, not a lesion or cavity itself. That’s why terms like cystocele (bladder protrusion into the vagina) and enterocele (intestine protrusion into the pelvis) use this ending to convey a herniation. Ulcers, abscesses, and cysts involve different processes (a mucosal break, a localized pus collection, and a closed fluid-filled sac, respectively) and do not use the -cele suffix.