What does the suffix '-itis' denote?

What does the suffix '-itis' denote?

• A. Infection
• B. Swelling
• C. Inflammation
• D. Discharge

Answer: (C)

The suffix '-itis' is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a specific tissue or organ. For example, conditions such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) exemplify the use of this suffix. Inflammation is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain, and it is a fundamental part of the body's immune response to injury or infection. By understanding this suffix, you can accurately interpret a wide range of medical terms related to inflammatory conditions. The other options, while potentially related to symptoms or conditions, do not accurately represent the precise meaning of '-itis.' Infection refers to the presence of pathogens, swelling is a symptom that can occur due to inflammation but does not encompass the entire meaning of '-itis,' and discharge typically describes the release of fluid from the body, which is a separate concept from inflammation.

The suffix '-itis' is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a specific tissue or organ. For example, conditions such as arthritis (inflammation of the joints) and appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) exemplify the use of this suffix. Inflammation is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain, and it is a fundamental part of the body's immune response to injury or infection. By understanding this suffix, you can accurately interpret a wide range of medical terms related to inflammatory conditions.

The other options, while potentially related to symptoms or conditions, do not accurately represent the precise meaning of '-itis.' Infection refers to the presence of pathogens, swelling is a symptom that can occur due to inflammation but does not encompass the entire meaning of '-itis,' and discharge typically describes the release of fluid from the body, which is a separate concept from inflammation.