Question

The formation of _______occurs via:

a. endothelial dysfunction & formation of fatty streak
b. LDL enters fatty streak and attracts macrophages
c. proliferating smooth muscle cells, connective tissue, & lipids become incorporated into plaque
d. "fibrous cap" forms

Answer 1

Atherosclerosis forms through a series of events starting with endothelial dysfunction, followed by LDL accumulation and macrophage attraction, leading to foam cell and fatty streak formation, and finally resulting in a fibrous cap over the plaque.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation of atherosclerosis occurs via several steps that involve changes to the artery wall:

1. It begins with endothelial dysfunction and the formation of a fatty streak.
2. LDL cholesterol enters the fatty streak and attracts macrophages which engulf the oxidized LDL, leading to foam cell formation.
3. Proliferating smooth muscle cells, connective tissue, and lipids become incorporated into the growing plaque.
4. A "fibrous cap" forms over the plaque structure, signifying a mature plaque.

These plaques can narrow the arteries to the point where they impair blood flow, which can potentially lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.