What does the suffix "-itis" generally refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix "-itis" in medical terminology is used to indicate inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. Inflammation can occur due to various causes, including infection, injury, or autoimmune responses. When examining the terminology, you often see "-itis" used in words such as "arthritis" (inflammation of the joints), "dermatitis" (inflammation of the skin), and "gastritis" (inflammation of the stomach lining). This pattern emphasizes the focus on inflammatory conditions, which are common in medical diagnoses and treatment plans.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of "-itis." While conditions of excess and abnormal growth pertain to different medical concerns, they are represented by other specific suffixes. Reproductive function relates to terms associated with reproduction or related organs and doesn't convey the notion of inflammation. Thus, the accuracy of the correct answer lies in its precise identification of inflammation as the core concept denoted by the suffix "-itis."