Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is the deposition of cholesterol-rich substances on the inner walls of blood vessels. It is caused by the buildup of plaque inside arteries, which narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is the term for the deposition of cholesterol-rich substances on the inner walls of blood vessels. It is characterized by the buildup of plaque, which consists of cell debris, cholesterol, and other substances, inside arteries.
Factors such as a high-fat diet and smoking contribute to the formation of plaque, which narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow.