Final answer:
Lobular arteries typically become more rigid as patients age. This is due to structural changes in the arterial walls and can lead to arteriosclerosis and reduced blood flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lobular arteries tend to become more rigid in older patients. Due to the decrease in the percentage of elastic fibers in an artery's tunica intima and the increase in smooth muscle content in its tunica media, these arteries become more prone to vasoconstriction. In the aging population, this often results in a reduced ability of the arteries to expand, a condition commonly referred to as arteriosclerosis. Additionally, the restricted location of the vasa vasorum within the arterial walls contributes to the increased prevalence of arterial diseases, as it hampers the nourishment of arterial cells and the removal of waste products. Over time, plaque may also build up inside the arteries, further reducing the lumen diameter, which can result in compromised blood flow.