If a medical term includes the suffix '-penia', what does it typically refer to?

The suffix '-penia' is derived from Greek, meaning 'deficiency' or 'lack of'. When it is used in medical terminology, it specifically indicates a decrease in a certain substance or component in the body. For example, in terms such as "leukopenia," it refers to a decrease in white blood cells. Similarly, "thrombocytopenia" signifies a reduction in platelet count. Thus, the use of '-penia' signifies that there is a deficiency or lower-than-normal level of whatever the term is describing, which makes the choice of a decrease as the correct answer accurate. Recognizing this can help in the understanding of various medical conditions and their implications.