4. The suffix -itis means… (20 Points)
   inflammation
   infection
   instantly
   inward

The suffix -itis is used in medical terminology to signify inflammation, often indicating that a particular tissue or organ is irritated or swollen. For example, appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, while tonsillitis signifies swollen tonsils. It’s like a little red flag waving in the medical field, saying, “Hey, something’s not quite right here!”

In the fascinating world of health, understanding the suffixes and prefixes can unlock a treasure trove of knowledge about various conditions. For instance, knowing that -itis indicates inflammation allows you to better grasp the symptoms and issues surrounding diseases like dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) or arthritis (inflammation of the joints). Each term unfurls a story about what’s happening beneath the surface—quite the thrilling tale!