Inflammation of a heart valve is called?

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

Answer: (B)

This tests how medical terms name inflammation by using the root for the structure plus -itis for inflammation. The valve is a structure that prevents backflow in the heart, so inflammation of a valve is called valvulitis. The root valvul- refers to a valve, and -itis shows inflammation, giving a precise term for the valve itself.

In contrast, endocarditis means inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium) and can involve valves but isn’t limited to the valve tissue. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium), and pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac around the heart. Those are different tissues, which is why they aren’t the best fit when the focus is specifically on a valve.