Bursitis is best described as which of the following?

Bursitis is best described as which of the following?

• A. Osteitis.
• B. Tendinitis.
• C. Synovitis.
• D. Bursitis.

Answer: (D)

Inflammation of the bursa—the small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles as they move around a joint—is what bursitis describes. The bursa acts as a friction reducer, so when it becomes inflamed you get localized swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement around a joint. This specific location of inflammation distinguishes bursitis from other conditions: osteitis is inflammation of bone, tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, and synovitis is inflammation of the joint’s lining (the synovial membrane). Because the description centers on the inflamed cushioning sac around a joint, bursitis is the best fit.

Inflammation of the bursa—the small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles as they move around a joint—is what bursitis describes. The bursa acts as a friction reducer, so when it becomes inflamed you get localized swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement around a joint. This specific location of inflammation distinguishes bursitis from other conditions: osteitis is inflammation of bone, tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, and synovitis is inflammation of the joint’s lining (the synovial membrane). Because the description centers on the inflamed cushioning sac around a joint, bursitis is the best fit.