Which term describes the disease characterized by hardening of arteries due to fatty plaque?

• A. Arthrocentesis
• B. Arthroscopy
• C. Atherosclerosis
• D. Astrocyte

Answer: (C)

Hardening of arteries due to fatty plaque is described by atherosclerosis. It involves the buildup of lipids and inflammatory material in the inner lining of arteries, starting with injury to the endothelium, followed by accumulation of LDL cholesterol, formation of foam cells, and eventually fibrous, calcified plaques that narrow and stiffen the vessel. This reduced blood flow can lead to ischemia and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The other terms aren’t related to arteries: arthrocentesis is pulling fluid from a joint, arthroscopy is a joint-viewing procedure, and astrocyte is a type of supportive brain cell.