One of the most frequently used word elements stemming from Greek is the ending "-itis". No doubt, you have heard and used it in many medical terms. You probably also know that the ending "-itis" means "inflammation".

The word "inflammation" is derived from the Latin "inflammatio", which literally means "setting aflame", characterizing two of the main signs of inflammation, namely heat and redness. Other manifestations of inflammation are pain, swelling and loss of normal function. Inflammation is a defensive response of the body to injury or invasion of tissue by micro-organisms (infection by germs). Since infections are the predominant cause of inflammation, the ending "-itis" can be translated with "infection", when it is known or assumed that the inflammation is caused by bacteria, viruses or other disease causing micro-organisms.

Using the suffix "-itis" we can derive terms for inflammation of practically any organ, along with the stem of the name for the organ concerned. The great majority of terms for inflammations are combinations of Greek word-elements:

Note also a few terms denoting inflammation that have Latin stems:
f. ex.: appendicitis, tonsillitis and sinusitis, which are used also in English.

Understanding the Language of Medicine
© Copyright 1999, 2000 Edith S. Mardiat RRA