Which term correctly combines root and suffix to mean inflammation of the colon?

Study for the Introduction to Medical Terminology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term correctly combines root and suffix to mean inflammation of the colon?

Explanation:
In medical terms, inflammation of an organ is named by attaching the suffix -itis to the root that names that organ. For the colon, the root is colon/o (or col/o). So combining colon/o with -itis gives colitis, meaning inflammation of the colon. The other roots with their suffixes point to different structures or conditions: arthr/o with -oma would be a joint tumor; myel/o with -ologist names a specialist who studies the spinal cord or bone marrow; mening/o with -itis results in meningitis, inflammation of the meninges. Thus, colitis is the correct term for inflammation of the colon.

In medical terms, inflammation of an organ is named by attaching the suffix -itis to the root that names that organ. For the colon, the root is colon/o (or col/o). So combining colon/o with -itis gives colitis, meaning inflammation of the colon. The other roots with their suffixes point to different structures or conditions: arthr/o with -oma would be a joint tumor; myel/o with -ologist names a specialist who studies the spinal cord or bone marrow; mening/o with -itis results in meningitis, inflammation of the meninges. Thus, colitis is the correct term for inflammation of the colon.

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