Atherosclerosis is best defined as?

• A. Hardening of the arteries
• B. Inflammation of arteries
• C. Dilation of arteries
• D. Fatty plaque buildup inside arterial walls

Answer: (D)

Atherosclerosis is about the buildup of fatty plaques inside the inner lining of arteries, which gradually narrows and stiffens the vessel. These plaques form from lipid deposits along with inflammatory cells and connective tissue in the intima, and they can calcify over time. This combination reduces flow and can lead to blockages or downstream complications like heart attack or stroke.

Hardening of the arteries describes the broader idea of stiffening (arteriosclerosis) and isn’t specific to the lipid-filled plaques that define atherosclerosis. Inflammation is a component of the process, but inflammation alone doesn’t capture the defining feature, which is the fatty plaque buildup inside the arterial walls. Dilation means widening, which is the opposite of what occurs in atherosclerosis.