California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA) Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The suffix that signifies inflammation is -itis. This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to describe conditions characterized by inflammation of a specific body part. For example, appendicitis refers to inflammation of the appendix, and arthritis denotes inflammation of the joints.

In medical language, the use of -itis helps healthcare providers quickly identify and understand the condition affecting the patient, as inflammation often indicates an underlying disease, infection, or injury. This makes it a critical term within medical records and communication.

The other suffixes have distinct meanings; -osis typically refers to a condition, often implying a pathological state but not specifically inflammation. -emia relates to blood conditions, usually indicating the presence of a certain substance in the blood. -megaly signifies enlargement of an organ or body part. Each suffix has its specific context and usage in medical terminology, reinforcing the importance of accurate understanding and application.