General Anatomy · Cardiovascular System · Medium

Endocardium

Meaning: The thin smooth inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.

In practice: Bacteria in the bloodstream can settle on damaged endocardium and form vegetations on the valves.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: An organ that filters blood and helps fight infection.

Which word means: A butterfly-shaped bone at the skull base, behind the eyes, housing the pituitary gland.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.