What does Meningitis refer to in medical terminology?

Meningitis refers specifically to the inflammation of the protective membranes, known as meninges, surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The resulting inflammation can lead to various symptoms, such as headache, fever, and neck stiffness, which are critical for diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding this definition is crucial for recognizing meningitis as a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention. The other choices reflect various medical conditions affecting different systems of the body, but they do not relate to the specific meaning of meningitis. For instance, a lung infection pertains to pneumonia, a stomach disease could refer to anything from gastritis to ulcers, and kidney disorders encompass various renal diseases, all of which are unrelated to the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the central nervous system.