Final answer:
The stem 'encephalo' in the word encephalitis means 'brain', indicating an inflammation of the brain often due to a viral infection that causes swelling and potential damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stem 'encephalo' in the word encephalitis means brain. Encephalitis is characterized as an inflammation of brain tissue that can cause swelling. This inflammation commonly results from viral infections and can lead to serious consequences including pushing the brain against the skull due to the limited space within, potentially causing damage or even death. Medical interventions may help with some viral infections, but not all.
In the development of the nervous system, the Greek term 'enkephalon' means "inside the head" and is used to describe the brain during the early stages of embryonic development. The word encephalitis is derived from this root, emphasizing its neurologic context