Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the abnormal hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the abnormal hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries. It occurs when plaques, made of white blood cells, cholesterol, and other fats, build up inside the arteries. As the plaques grow, they reduce the elasticity of the artery walls and can eventually harden with the addition of calcium crystals.
This condition decreases the flow of blood through the arteries, which can lead to various health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.