American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which part of the body is primarily affected by tendonitis?

1. Muscle

2. Bone

3. Tendon

4. Ligament

The correct answer is: Tendon

Tendonitis specifically affects the tendons, which are the fibrous connective tissues that connect muscles to bones. When a tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, it leads to the condition known as tendonitis. This inflammation is often the result of repetitive strain, overuse, or injury, and typically occurs in tendons that are subjected to heavy use. While muscles may experience related issues or soreness, they are not the primary structures involved in tendonitis. Likewise, bones are not directly affected in this condition, nor are ligaments, which connect bones to other bones. Understanding that tendonitis is an inflammatory condition of the tendon is essential for diagnosing and treating this type of injury effectively.