In the following sentence, the blank must be filled with an appropriate word. The comatose patient was kept under observation till his body systems came back from suspended ______________.

Introduction / Context:

This blank filling question tests your familiarity with the fixed expression suspended animation. In medical and popular science contexts, suspended animation describes a state where vital functions are slowed down to a very low level, almost as if life has been paused. The sentence speaks about a comatose patient whose body systems were inactive for a time and then recovered.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: The comatose patient was kept under observation till his body systems came back from suspended ______________.
• Options: dynamism, elation, animation, ebullience.
• The patient is in a coma, which implies a state of greatly reduced activity, not excitement or joy.
• We assume that the exam is pointing towards the well known phrase suspended animation.

Concept / Approach:

The phrase suspended animation is often used to describe a condition where metabolic processes are slowed or halted, either naturally or artificially, making the body appear lifeless while still being technically alive. Among the options, animation forms this idiom with suspended. The other words dynamism, elation, and ebullience relate to energy or happiness and do not fit the medical description of a coma.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Review common phrases in medical dramas or science articles: The subject was placed in suspended animation or The frogs survived winter in a state of suspended animation. You will not find suspended dynamism or suspended elation in such contexts. This confirms that animation is the correct and idiomatic choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Dynamism is wrong because it describes active energy and drive, which directly opposes the near lifeless state implied by suspended.

Elation is wrong because it is an emotion of great happiness, which has nothing to do with coma or reduced bodily function.

Ebullience is wrong because it means cheerful, energetic excitement, again incompatible with the medical situation described.

Common Pitfalls:

Some students may be tempted by dynamism because it sounds technical or energetic. However, the key is to recognise the complete idiom suspended animation. A useful strategy is to read the phrase before and after the blank together; when you see suspended, your mind should automatically recall its usual partner, animation, in this kind of sentence.

Final Answer:

The correct word is animation, completing the phrase suspended animation.