In medical terminology, what does the suffix "-itis" refer to?

The suffix "-itis" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate inflammation. When added to the root of a word, it specifies a condition characterized by inflammation of a particular organ or tissue. For example, "arthritis" refers to inflammation of the joints, while "gastritis" refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. This suffix plays a crucial role in conveying important diagnostic information about health conditions, particularly in the context of diseases and disorders. Understanding such suffixes is essential for anyone involved in medical transcription or related fields, as they form the basis of many medical terms.