CPB (Certified Professional Biller) Certification Practice Exam

What does the suffix "-itis" typically indicate in a medical term?

1. Not cancerous

2. Within, into

3. Inflammation

4. Near

The correct answer is: Inflammation

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. For instance, terms like "appendicitis" refer to the inflammation of the appendix, and "arthritis" describes inflammation of the joints. This suffix signals to healthcare professionals that there is a problematic condition related to inflammation, which is critical for diagnosing and determining the appropriate treatment for various medical conditions. The other options do not convey the same meaning. For example, "not cancerous" refers to benign conditions, while "within, into" pertains to positional descriptions, and "near" describes relative location, none of which capture the sense of inflammation that "-itis" specifically denotes.