Which term describes inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney?

• A. Urethritis
• B. Cystitis
• C. Glomerulonephritis
• D. Pyelonephritis

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the anatomical terms involved. The renal pelvis is the funnel-shaped structure in the kidney that collects urine before it moves to the ureter. The kidney itself is the organ responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.
2. Step 2: Recognize the suffix '-itis' which indicates inflammation. So, any term ending with '-itis' refers to inflammation of the structure named in the root of the word.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option: 'Urethritis' means inflammation of the urethra, 'Cystitis' means inflammation of the bladder, 'Glomerulonephritis' means inflammation of the glomeruli within the kidney, and 'Pyelonephritis' means inflammation of the renal pelvis ('pyelo-') and the kidney ('nephro-').
4. Step 4: Combine the root words and suffixes to identify the correct term. Since the question asks for inflammation of both the renal pelvis and kidney, the term must include both 'pyelo-' (renal pelvis) and 'nephro-' (kidney) with '-itis' (inflammation).
5. Step 5: Conclude that 'Pyelonephritis' is the term that correctly describes inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney.