Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-itis" signify?

1. Excessive flow

2. Inflammation

3. Breathing

4. Discharge

The correct answer is: Inflammation

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a particular organ or tissue. For instance, when combined with the word "arthritis," it refers to the inflammation of the joints, while "appendicitis" signifies inflammation of the appendix. Understanding this suffix is crucial for recognizing various medical conditions, as it provides insight into the underlying issue, which is typically an inflammatory response. In contrast, the other choices represent different medical concepts. Excessive flow describes conditions often associated with terms like "rrhea," breathing concerns are typically captured with terms related to "pnea," and discharge is linked to terms such as "orrhea" as well. These distinctions clarify the specific medical focus of the suffix "-itis" as pertaining strictly to inflammation.