Which term denotes inflammation of bone and cartilage?

Which term denotes inflammation of bone and cartilage?

• A. Osteomyelitis
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Osteochondritis
• D. Osteoporosis

Answer: (C)

This question hinges on medical prefixes and suffixes used to name conditions. Osteo- means bone, chondr- means cartilage, and -itis signals inflammation. Put together, osteochondritis literally means inflammation of bone and cartilage, which matches exactly what the question describes. Osteomyelitis refers to inflammation of bone (often with marrow) and is typically due to infection, not specifically bone and cartilage. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition with cartilage wear and secondary bone changes, and while inflammation can occur, the term emphasizes degeneration rather than a primary inflammation of bone and cartilage. Osteoporosis involves loss of bone density and strength, with no inflammatory component implied.

This question hinges on medical prefixes and suffixes used to name conditions. Osteo- means bone, chondr- means cartilage, and -itis signals inflammation. Put together, osteochondritis literally means inflammation of bone and cartilage, which matches exactly what the question describes.

Osteomyelitis refers to inflammation of bone (often with marrow) and is typically due to infection, not specifically bone and cartilage. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition with cartilage wear and secondary bone changes, and while inflammation can occur, the term emphasizes degeneration rather than a primary inflammation of bone and cartilage. Osteoporosis involves loss of bone density and strength, with no inflammatory component implied.