Atherosclerosis is defined as the hardening of the arteries caused by fatty plaque.

• A. Inflammation of arteries
• B. Dilation of arteries
• C. Blockage of veins
• D. Hardening of arteries due to fatty plaque

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is that atherosclerosis describes arteries becoming stiff and less able to stretch because fatty plaque builds up in the arterial walls. That shiny, hardening effect is what the description emphasizes, so the choice that states hardening of arteries due to fatty plaque matches the standard definition.

Inflammation of arteries is a separate process (vasculitis) and not the defining feature of atherosclerosis, even though inflammation can be involved in plaque development. Dilation describes widening of the artery, which is the opposite of hardening. Blockage of veins involves the venous system, not arteries, so it doesn’t fit the concept of arterial hardening due to plaque.