CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-itis" indicate?

1. Inflammation

2. Hardening

3. Swelling

4. Necrosis

The correct answer is: Inflammation

The suffix "-itis" is a medical term that specifically denotes inflammation of a particular organ or tissue. This suffix is frequently used in various medical conditions to describe the inflammatory response that occurs in various parts of the body. For instance, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, while "bronchitis" indicates inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. Understanding the context of "-itis" is crucial for professionals in healthcare as it aids in accurately diagnosing and communicating patient conditions. While terms that relate to hardening, swelling, or necrosis describe other types of pathological changes in the body, they do not encompass the specific notion of inflammation that "-itis" signifies.