Which term describes inflammation of a joint?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Cushing's syndrome
• C. Fiber
• D. Heimlich maneuver

Answer: (A)

Arthritis is the term for inflammation of a joint. When a joint is inflamed, the tissues around it—like the lining of the joint (the synovium), cartilage, and surrounding structures—become irritated, leading to swelling, warmth, pain, and stiffness. This inflammation can result from different processes, such as wear-and-tear damage in osteoarthritis or autoimmune attack in rheumatoid arthritis, and it often reduces range of motion or makes movement uncomfortable.

Other terms don’t describe joint inflammation. Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by excess cortisol and can have many systemic effects, but it isn’t specifically describing joint inflammation. “Fiber” refers to a bodily or dietary component and isn’t a medical term for joint conditions. The Heimlich maneuver is a technique used to relieve a blocked airway, not related to joints or inflammation.