Therapeutics – Cardiovascular System Practice Test 2026: All-in-One Guide to Mastering Cardiovascular Therapeutics

Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. The prefix phleb- means vein, and -itis means inflammation, so the term specifically points to veins in the circulatory system. This is distinct from inflammation of arteries (arteritis), capillaries (capillitis), or lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis). Inflammation of veins often presents as redness, warmth, tenderness along the vein, and may be accompanied by swelling, especially if a clot forms (thrombophlebitis).