What is the term for the inflammation of the lining membrane of the heart?

The term for the inflammation of the lining membrane of the heart is endocarditis. This condition specifically affects the endocardium, which is the inner layer of tissue that lines the chambers of the heart and covers the heart valves. Endocarditis often occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart, leading to inflammation and potential complications, such as damage to heart valves or the formation of clots.

The other options refer to different conditions that affect the heart: pericarditis relates to inflammation of the pericardium (the outer layer surrounding the heart), myocarditis refers to inflammation of the myocardial tissue itself (the middle layer responsible for heart muscle contraction), and cardiomyopathy is a broader term that describes diseases of the heart muscle that affect its size, shape, and ability to pump blood effectively. Each term indicates inflammation or disease affecting different structures of the heart, but only endocarditis specifically addresses inflammation of the heart lining.