What term describes swelling in medical terminology?

The term that describes swelling in medical terminology is "edema." Edema refers to an accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body, which leads to a noticeable swelling in various parts. This can occur due to a variety of reasons such as injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions, and it is a common clinical finding that health professionals evaluate when assessing a patient's health.

Ather/o refers to fatty deposits in the arteries and is primarily associated with atherosclerosis. Arth/o pertains to joints and is used in terms related to joint conditions, such as arthritis. Fistula refers to an abnormal connection between two structures or organs, such as blood vessels or intestines, which is unrelated to the concept of swelling. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why edema is the correct term for describing swelling in medical contexts.