What is cystitis?

Cystitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the bladder, often due to an infection, but it can also be caused by other factors such as irritation from medications, radiation, or autoimmune conditions. In the context of urinary tract issues, cystitis is a common condition characterized by symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urination, and lower abdominal discomfort. Understanding this condition is important for medical laboratory assistants in recognizing and processing specimens related to urinary tract infections and inflammatory conditions.

The other options describe different conditions related to the urinary system. Inflammation of the kidneys is known as nephritis, an infection of the urethra is termed urethritis, and infection of the urinary tract could encompass infections in the bladder, kidneys, urethra, or ureters, but does not specifically define cystitis. Thus, the correct identification of cystitis as inflammation of the bladder is crucial in differentiating it from other urinary tract conditions.