Which term describes plaque buildup in arteries?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Coronary Arteries
• C. Nitroglycerin
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (A)

Atherosclerosis describes plaque buildup in arteries. It’s a chronic inflammatory process where LDL cholesterol infiltrates the arterial intima, becomes oxidized, and triggers an immune response. Macrophages ingest lipids and form foam cells; smooth muscle cells migrate into the intima and secrete extracellular matrix, creating a lipid-rich core covered by a fibrous cap. As plaques grow, they narrow the vessel and can become unstable; rupture can lead to thrombosis and obstructed blood flow, contributing to heart attack or stroke. This can affect any artery, including the coronary arteries. The other terms are not the process: coronary arteries are the vessels themselves, nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to treat angina, and aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that helps prevent clot formation but does not describe plaque buildup.