Which term reflects a medical condition indicated by “itis” in the context of inflammation?

The term that reflects a medical condition indicated by “itis” is inflammation. In medical terminology, the suffix “-itis” is used to denote inflammation of a specific tissue or organ. For example, appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, and arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints. This suffix signals a physiological response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different medical concepts. Fibrosis relates to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue, which is not specifically about inflammation. Neoplasm indicates a new and abnormal growth of tissue, commonly referred to as a tumor, and is not necessarily associated with the inflammatory process. Infection refers to the invasion of the body by pathogens, which may cause inflammation, but “itis” directly describes the state of inflammation itself. Understanding this distinction clarifies why inflammation is the best interpretation of the suffix “-itis.”