What does the suffix "-lysis" refer to?

The suffix "-lysis" is derived from Greek, meaning to break down or dissolve. In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the process of dissolution or destruction of cells, tissues, or structures. This term is commonly used in various medical contexts, such as "hemolysis," which refers to the destruction of red blood cells, or "lysis" in the context of bacterial cell walls being broken down.

The other options represent different medical concepts: "Resistance to" typically refers to the capacity to withstand disease or infection, "formation of tissue" pertains to processes like tissue development or healing, and "excessive flow of blood" describes conditions like hemorrhage or hyperemia. These concepts are distinct from the action described by "-lysis," which is specifically focused on breaking down or dissolving substances.