Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaques inside arteries, leading to the thickening and hardening of artery walls. This reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which artery walls thicken and stiffen as a result of the buildup of plaques inside the arteries. Plaques consist of white blood cells, cholesterol, and other fats. Over time, the plaques may harden with the addition of calcium crystals. This reduces the elasticity of the artery walls. As plaques grow, they stiffen and narrow the arteries, decreasing blood flow.