What term refers to swelling or inflammation in the body?

The correct term that refers to swelling or inflammation in the body is edema. Edema is a condition characterized by an excess accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces, leading to swelling. It can occur in various parts of the body and is often a sign that indicates an underlying issue, such as inflammation or injury.

Effusion, while similar, specifically refers to the presence of fluid in a body cavity, such as a joint or pleural space, rather than indicating swelling throughout the tissue. Hemorrhage refers to the escape of blood from a ruptured blood vessel, which does not directly describe inflammation or swelling. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can form as a result of infection and may occur with swelling but is not a general term for swelling or inflammation. Understanding these distinctions is important in the context of identifying and describing different medical conditions.