Which term denotes inflammation of the appendix?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Cirrhosis
• C. Appendicitis
• D. IBS

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of a specific organ is shown by the suffix -itis, so the term for inflammation of the appendix is appendicitis. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine (the cecum), and when it becomes inflamed, it’s called appendicitis. The other terms describe different conditions: gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, cirrhosis is scarring of the liver, and IBS is a functional bowel disorder without inflammation. So the correct term for inflammation of the appendix is appendicitis.