Final answer:
A stable plaque is characterized by a smaller lipid core and a thicker fibrous cap, making it less prone to rupture compared to an unstable plaque, which has a larger lipid core and a thinner cap.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the characteristic features of atherosclerotic plaques within arteries, which are central to cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, the question asks whether a stable plaque or an unstable plaque has a small lipid core. A stable plaque tends to have a thicker fibrous cap and a smaller lipid core, which makes it less likely to rupture and cause events such as a heart attack or stroke. In contrast, an unstable plaque typically has a larger lipid core and a thin fibrous cap, which increases the risk of rupture. Consequently, the correct answer to the question is A. Stable plaque.