Which term refers to inflammation of the tympanic membrane?

• A. Edema
• B. Myringitis
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Sepsis

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is naming the condition by the part of the ear involved and the process happening. Inflammation of the tympanic membrane is called myringitis. The tympanic membrane is the eardrum, and the suffix -itis means inflammation, while myringo- refers specifically to that membrane. So myringitis is the precise term for inflammation of the eardrum.

Edema means swelling in general and isn’t specific to the tympanic membrane. Anaphylaxis is a severe, widespread allergic reaction, and sepsis is a systemic infection affecting the whole body. None of those describe inflammation localized to the tympanic membrane like myringitis does.