Final answer:
A plaque that has a large lipid core with a thin cap is the most prone to rupture, leading to clotting and potential heart attack or stroke. Collagen and fibrin confer stability, and high-density lipoproteins are protective. Ischemia and necrosis indicate further tissue damage. The correct option is (2)
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked which plaque is most prone to rupture. Among the options provided, a plaque that has a large lipid core with a thin cap is most prone to rupture. This configuration means that the fibrous cap over the lipid-filled plaque is weak, increasing the risk of the cap breaking or tearing, which can lead to the contents of the plaque being released into the bloodstream. The rupture can cause microscopic tears in the artery wall allowing blood to leak, leading to clotting when platelets rush to the site. A clot can further obstruct the artery and might cause a heart attack or stroke if it occurs in a coronary or cerebral artery.
Plaques rich in collagen and fibrin are generally more stable, while high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are actually protective against plaque build-up. Areas of ischemia and necrosis indicate tissue damage and death, which also contribute to weakening of the arterial wall but are a result of the progression of atherosclerosis rather than the initial cause of plaque vulnerability.