What does the term "peritonitis" mean?

Peritonitis means inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin tissue lining the inner wall of the abdomen and covering most abdominal organs. The term combines peritoneo meaning peritoneum and itis meaning inflammation. Peritonitis is usually caused by infection from a perforated organ such as a ruptured appendix, perforated ulcer, or bowel injury, allowing bacteria to enter the normally sterile peritoneal cavity. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and tenderness, fever, nausea, and abdominal rigidity. ---