What does the suffix '-plegia' refer to in medical terms?

The suffix '-plegia' refers specifically to paralysis in medical terminology. It originates from the Greek word for "strike" or "blow," which captures the notion of loss of function due to an injury or disruption in the nervous system, specifically affecting muscle control. In clinical contexts, you might encounter terms like paraplegia, which signifies paralysis of the lower limbs, or quadriplegia, indicating paralysis of all four limbs. Understanding this suffix is crucial for interpreting medical conditions and diagnoses related to motor function loss.