What type of medical term is indicated by the suffix -itis?

The suffix -itis is specifically used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation of a tissue or organ, which is often due to infection, among other causes. When a medical term ends with -itis, it implies that there is an inflammatory condition present, typically one associated with an infectious process. For example, "appendicitis" refers to the inflammation of the appendix, often resulting from an infection.

While inflammation might commonly have infectious origins, it's worth noting that -itis can also refer to inflammatory conditions caused by non-infectious factors, such as autoimmune disorders or irritants. However, the strong association with infection makes this the most accurate choice among the options provided. This distinction helps clarify types of medical conditions and their underlying causes, which is foundational in understanding medical terminology.