Atherosclerosis is best described as?

• A. Hardening of the arteries
• B. Inflammation of the arterial wall
• C. Fatty deposits called plaque build up on the inner walls of the arteries
• D. Dilation of arteries

Answer: (C)

Atherosclerosis is best described as the buildup of fatty plaques on the inner lining of arteries, which narrows the vessel lumen and hardens the artery over time. These plaques are made of lipid-rich material, cholesterol, calcium, and inflammatory cells, and their growth begins with endothelial dysfunction that allows lipids to accumulate in the intima. As the plaque develops, it can restrict blood flow and become a site for potential rupture, leading to thrombosis and downstream ischemia. While inflammation is a key part of the process, the defining feature is the formation of lipid-rich plaques rather than mere inflammation. Dilation of arteries is the opposite of what occurs in atherosclerosis.