Which condition results from a severe deficiency in vitamin C, leading to tender and bleeding gums?

Scurvy is the condition that results from a severe deficiency in vitamin C, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a critical component of connective tissues. When vitamin C levels are low, the body struggles to maintain healthy gums and other tissues, leading to symptoms such as tender and bleeding gums, fatigue, and joint pain. This lack of collagen can cause the gum tissue to become weak and more susceptible to damage and inflammation.

In contrast, rickets is associated with deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate and affects bone development, while angular cheilitis is characterized by inflammation and cracks at the corners of the mouth and can be linked to various factors, including certain nutrient deficiencies, but not specifically to vitamin C. Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue that can result from various causes, including nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12 or iron, but not vitamin C. Therefore, the symptoms specifically associated with vitamin C deficiency directly point to scurvy as the accurate answer.