Final answer:
Plaque formation in arteries begins with the accumulation of LDLs, leading to inflammation and white blood cell attraction, with risk factors including hypertension and high cholesterol. Dental plaque, associated with gingivitis, results from bacterial colonization on teeth. Skin lesions, such as those from skin cancer, may arise from uncontrolled cell division and external factors like UV radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Causes a Plaque?
The formation of a plaque begins when low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) accumulate inside the endothelial cells of artery walls. This accumulation causes inflammation which attracts white blood cells, subsequently forming a plaque. Factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, age, male sex, and a family history of cardiovascular diseases are known risk factors for atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque inside arteries. Another form of plaque relates to gingivitis, where it accumulates on teeth, leading to bacterial colonization and inflammation of the gums. Additionally, plaques and lesions can form on the skin, resulting either from inflammation of hair follicles, as in the case of acne and folliculitis, or from uncontrolled division of abnormal cells leading to skin cancer, exacerbated by factors such as UV radiation exposure.