-itis
(Greek: a suffix; inflammation, burning sensation; by extension, disease associated with inflammation)
This suffix has come to mean "inflammation of" but originally it meant "pertaining to" or "of the". The Greek word nosos ["disease"] was either expressed or understood, although it might not be included with the basic element. For example, bursitis nosos would mean "disease of the bursa".
periappendicitis
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the vermiform appendix (wormlike intestinal diverticulum extending from the blind end of the cecum; it varies in length and ends in a blind extremity).
The cecum is a blind pouch-like commencement of the colon in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen at the end of the small intestine.
periarteritis
Inflammation of the external coats of an artery and of the tissues around the artery.
periarthritis
Inflammation of the tissues around a joint.
pericarditis
Inflammation of the lining around the heart (the pericardium) causing chest pain and accumulation of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).
pericementitis
Inflammation of the pericementum (periodontal ligament).
perimastitis
Inflammation of the connective tissue around the mammary gland.
periodontitis
Inflammation around the tooth or teeth.
Periodontitis and all periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in the mouth.
Left untreated, these diseases can lead to tooth loss. The main cause of periodontal disease is a bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on teeth.
periostitis
1. Literally, inflammation around the bone.
2. Inflammation of the periosteum, a dense membrane composed of fibrous connective tissue that closely wraps (invests) all bone, except the bone of articulating surfaces in joints which are covered by synovial membranes.
perispondylitis
Inflammation of the tissues around a vertebra.
peristaphylitis
Inflammation around the uvula.
The uvula is a small piece of soft tissue that can be seen dangling down from the soft palate over the back of the tongue. The uvula is described variously shaped like a U, a tear, or a grape. Its name comes from the Latin word for "grape," uva.
peritendinitis
1. Inflammation of the sheath of a tendon.
2. An inflammation of the tendon sheath.
peritonitis
Inflammation of the peritoneum (the tissue layer of cells lining the inner wall of the abdomen and pelvis).
Peritonitis can result from infection; such as, bacteria or parasites, injury and bleeding, or diseases; such as, systemic lupus erythematosus.
Lupus is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system.
perixenitis
An inflammatory reaction to a foreign body implanted in an organ or tissue of the body.
phallitis
pharyngitis
Subscribe to this FREE Focusing on Words Newsletter