Which term describes inflammation of the inner lining of the heart?

• A. Pericarditis
• B. Nephritis
• C. Endocarditis
• D. Myocarditis

Answer: (C)

Endocarditis describes inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. The inner lining is the endocardium, and adding -itis denotes inflammation, so endocarditis literally means inflammation of the endocardium. Pericarditis would involve the pericardium, the outer sac around the heart; myocarditis affects the heart muscle itself (the myocardium); nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys. Because the question specifies the inner lining of the heart, endocarditis is the correct term.