What term describes a fatty deposit on the interior of artery walls that can lead to a heart attack or stroke when it blocks vessels?

What term describes a fatty deposit on the interior of artery walls that can lead to a heart attack or stroke when it blocks vessels?

• A. Plaque
• B. Aneurysm
• C. Embolus
• D. Thrombus

Answer: (A)

This describes plaque formation in the arteries, a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Plaque is a fatty deposit that builds up in the inner lining of arterial walls, made up of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and inflammatory cells. As plaque grows, it narrows the vessel and can impede blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, a clot can form at the site and abruptly block the artery, triggering a heart attack or stroke. This distinguishes plaque from an aneurysm (a bulge in the wall), an embolus (a traveling blockage), or a thrombus (a clot formed in place).

This describes plaque formation in the arteries, a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Plaque is a fatty deposit that builds up in the inner lining of arterial walls, made up of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and inflammatory cells. As plaque grows, it narrows the vessel and can impede blood flow. If a plaque ruptures, a clot can form at the site and abruptly block the artery, triggering a heart attack or stroke. This distinguishes plaque from an aneurysm (a bulge in the wall), an embolus (a traveling blockage), or a thrombus (a clot formed in place).