Which term describes deposit of plaque on arterial walls, causing stenosis?

• A. Arthrosclerosis
• B. Arteriosclerosis
• C. Atherosclerosis
• D. Stenosis

Answer: (A)

Atherosclerosis. This describes the buildup of plaque—lipids, cholesterol, inflammatory cells, and other substances—within the arterial wall. As these plaques grow, they encroach on the lumen, causing stenosis or narrowing of the vessel. The process starts with endothelial injury and lipid deposition in the intima, progresses to fatty streaks, then fibrous, calcified plaques, and ultimately reduced blood flow or potential blockage. Arteriosclerosis refers to the general stiffening and thickening of arteries rather than plaque formation, and stenosis simply means narrowing without specifying the cause. The correct term for plaque deposition causing narrowing is atherosclerosis.