Final answer:
The medical term diphther/ia literally means membrane/refers. Diphtheria is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and it leads to the formation of a pseudomembrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical term diphther/ia literally means membrane/refers. Diphtheria is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. When this bacterium colonizes the throat, it produces a protein called diphtheria toxin. The toxin leads to the formation of a pseudomembrane, a grayish exudate consisting of dead cells, pus, red blood cells, fibrin, and infectious bacteria. This pseudomembrane covers the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, tonsils, pharynx, and larynx.