Which term corresponds to the hardening of arterial walls due to age?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Arteriosclerosis
• C. Varicosity
• D. Thrombosis

Answer: (B)

Hardening of arterial walls with age is arteriosclerosis: a general stiffening and thickening of arteries that reduces their elasticity. As elastin degrades and collagen and smooth muscle changes accumulate over time, arteries become less compliant, which tends to raise systolic blood pressure and widen pulse pressure in older adults. This process differs from atherosclerosis, where lipid-laden plaques build up in the arterial wall and narrow the lumen, potentially causing ischemia. The other terms refer to different issues: varicosity involves dilated, twisted veins, and thrombosis is the formation of a clot within a vessel. So, the aging-related hardening described here is arteriosclerosis.