Atherosclerosis 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 due to blood leakage
• D. Inflammation of veins

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that atherosclerosis is the buildup of lipid-rich plaques inside the walls of arteries that narrows the lumen and can block blood flow. It starts with injury to the endothelium, allowing LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the arterial intima. Macrophages ingest these lipids and become foam cells, forming fatty streaks that progress into fibrous plaques as smooth muscle cells migrate and secrete extracellular matrix. While calcification can occur in advanced plaques, the defining feature is the lipid-rich plaque causing narrowing of the artery, which can rupture and trigger thrombosis leading to ischemia. This process differs from simply hardening due to calcification, enlargement from blood leakage (aneurysm), or inflammation of veins (phlebitis).