What is indicated by the suffix "-itis"?

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote inflammation. When a condition is labeled with this suffix, it indicates that there is an inflammatory process occurring in a tissue or organ. For example, appendicitis refers to the inflammation of the appendix, while arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints. Understanding this suffix is crucial for recognizing and interpreting various medical conditions, particularly those related to inflammation and its associated symptoms.

The other options, while they may relate to different aspects of medical terminology, do not accurately reflect the specific meaning of "-itis." Infection, removal, and hardening are indicated by different terms and suffixes that describe those standalone processes, thus clarifying why "-itis" specifically correlates with inflammation.