Final answer:
Atherosclerosis is the correct answer to the student's question, describing the buildup of calcium and cholesterol into plaques that narrow and stiffen the arteries. It is influenced by lifestyle factors and medical conditions like high cholesterol and hypertension.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atherosclerosis: The Underlying Condition
The disorder in which calcium and cholesterol build up and form a plaque inside the walls of the blood vessels is called C) Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves a complex process where deposits of fatty material, primarily cholesterol and calcium, along with cell debris, and connective tissue, accumulate on the arterial walls. These plaques can obstruct blood flow, reducing the elasticity of the artery walls, and leading to potential health risks like heart attacks and strokes. Factors such as a high-fat diet, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and a genetic predisposition contribute to the development of this condition.
Atherosclerosis is often initiated by damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of the artery, which is then infiltrated by low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). Inflammation occurs, attracting white blood cells, and a plaque begins to form. The inflammatory process continues, alongside other immune responses, causing the plaque to grow and harden over time. Lifestyle choices and pre-existing conditions significantly affect the risk and progression of atherosclerosis.