What is the medical term for inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the stomach and intestines?

• A. Gastritis
• B. Enteritis
• C. Gastroenteritis
• D. Colitis

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the stomach and intestines is gastroenteritis. The term combines gastro- (stomach) and enter- (intestine) with -itis (inflammation), indicating involvement of both parts of the GI tract. If only the stomach is inflamed, gastritis is used; if only the small intestine is inflamed, enteritis; if the colon is inflamed, colitis. Since the question specifies both stomach and intestines, gastroenteritis is the precise term. Symptoms often include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever due to irritation of the GI mucosa.