Which term refers to the tissue response to injury or irritation?

The term that refers to the tissue response to injury or irritation is inflammation, which is often associated with conditions like tendinitis. Tendinitis specifically describes the inflammation of a tendon, usually due to repetitive use or strain, which results in pain and reduced function. This demonstrates how the body responds to an injury in the tissue by triggering an inflammatory response aimed at healing the affected area.

In contrast, laceration refers to a type of injury characterized by a tear or cut in the skin or tissue, rather than a general tissue response. Prophylaxis refers to measures taken to prevent disease or injury, not a response to them. A vector typically refers to an organism that transmits disease, not a response to tissue injury or irritation. Hence, tendinitis correctly aligns with the concept of an inflammatory response to irritation or injury in tissues.