What is indicated by the suffix -sclerosis?

The suffix -sclerosis indicates a condition of hardening. In medical terminology, this suffix is derived from the Greek word "skleros," which means hard. It is commonly used to describe the hardening of tissues or organs due to various pathological processes, which can include the build-up of scar tissue or the stiffening that occurs in certain diseases. For instance, in multiple sclerosis, the hardening of nerve tissue disrupts normal conduction and can lead to various neurological symptoms. Understanding the meaning of this suffix is crucial for interpreting numerous medical terms related to conditions that involve hardening in the body.