Which term denotes removal of plaque from inside an artery?

• A. Endarterectomy
• B. Encephalotomy
• C. Efferent
• D. Encephalitis

Answer: (A)

Removal of plaque from inside an artery is called endarterectomy. The word breaks down to endo- meaning inside, arteri- referring to artery, and -ectomy meaning surgically removing. This procedure is done to clear atherosclerotic plaque and restore blood flow, often in the carotid arteries to reduce stroke risk. The other terms relate to different things: encephalotomy is a brain incision, efferent describes nerves carrying signals away, and encephalitis is inflammation of brain tissue—none describe removing arterial plaque.