Which term describes hardening of the arteries?

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

Answer: (D)

Hardening of the arteries is described by arteriosclerosis. This term refers to the general stiffening and loss of elasticity of arterial walls, which can raise blood pressure and reduce the vessels’ ability to cushion blood flow. Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis where plaques build up inside the arterial wall, narrowing the lumen and risking ischemia. Varicosity involves enlarged, twisted veins, not arteries. Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a vessel, which can block flow but isn’t about the arteries’ structural hardening. So, the answer that best matches the description is arteriosclerosis.