Which suffix denotes inflammation?

Which suffix denotes inflammation?

• A. Itis
• B. Oma
• C. Pathy
• D. Aemia

Answer: (A)

In medical terms, the suffix that denotes inflammation is -itis. When this ending is added to a root that names a body part or tissue, it signals that that area is inflamed. For example, gastritis is inflammation of the stomach, dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, and arthritis is inflammation of the joints. The other suffixes indicate something different: -oma refers to a tumor or mass, as in lipoma or melanoma; -pathy signifies a disease or disorder of a tissue or organ, such as neuropathy; and -emia refers to a condition of the blood, such as anemia or hyperglycemia. Therefore, -itis is the one that specifically means inflammation.

In medical terms, the suffix that denotes inflammation is -itis. When this ending is added to a root that names a body part or tissue, it signals that that area is inflamed. For example, gastritis is inflammation of the stomach, dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, and arthritis is inflammation of the joints.

The other suffixes indicate something different: -oma refers to a tumor or mass, as in lipoma or melanoma; -pathy signifies a disease or disorder of a tissue or organ, such as neuropathy; and -emia refers to a condition of the blood, such as anemia or hyperglycemia. Therefore, -itis is the one that specifically means inflammation.