Endarteritis

/ˌɛndɑːrtəˈraɪtɪs/ noun

Definition

Inflammation of the inner lining of an artery, a condition that can damage blood vessels and affect blood flow.

Etymology

From endarteria (inner artery) + -itis (inflammation). This medical term specifically targets inflammation of the innermost layer of arterial walls rather than inflammation of the entire vessel.

Kelly Says

Endarteritis was historically a major killer when syphilis infected the inner linings of major arteries, causing them to weaken catastrophically—it's one reason why finding treatments for that disease was so medically important.

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