Arteriosclerosis is best described as?

• A. Hardening of the arteries caused by calcification of fatty deposits
• B. Blockage of arteries by lipids and other matter
• C. Enlargement of arteries
• D. Inflammation of veins

Answer: (A)

Hardening of the arterial walls is the key idea here. Arteriosclerosis describes a loss of elasticity in arteries, often due to changes in the vessel wall such as calcium deposition within fatty plaques, which makes the arteries stiffer and less able to expand with each heartbeat. This decreased compliance raises pulse pressure and can impair blood flow to tissues over time. The description “calcification of fatty deposits” captures both the lipid-related buildup and the mineralization that stiffens the wall. In contrast, a blockage by lipids and other matter fits atherosclerosis, which emphasizes narrowing or occlusion rather than just hardening; enlargement of arteries suggests dilation (like an aneurysm), and inflammation of veins refers to a venous issue rather than an arterial one.