Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is the medical term for hardening of the carotid arteries due to the buildup of plaque, which narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis is the medical term for hardening of the carotid arteries due to the buildup of fat. It is a condition in which artery walls thicken and stiffen as a result of the buildup of plaques inside the arteries. These plaques consist of white blood cells, cholesterol, and other fats.
Factors that contribute to plaque buildup include a high-fat diet and smoking. As plaques build up, they narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow.