Pathologic thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of arterial walls is called what?

Pathologic thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of arterial walls is called what?

• A. Arteriosclerosis
• B. Atherosclerosis
• C. Angiosclerosis
• D. Vasculitis

Answer: (A)

Arteriosclerosis describes the thickening and hardening of arterial walls with a loss of elasticity. That loss of compliance is exactly what the description emphasizes, making this the most fitting term. While atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis involving lipid-rich plaques that narrow the lumen, the question’s wording centers on the general stiffening of the vessel wall rather than plaque buildup. Vasculitis implies inflammation of the vessels, and angiosclerosis isn’t a standard term used here.

Arteriosclerosis describes the thickening and hardening of arterial walls with a loss of elasticity. That loss of compliance is exactly what the description emphasizes, making this the most fitting term. While atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis involving lipid-rich plaques that narrow the lumen, the question’s wording centers on the general stiffening of the vessel wall rather than plaque buildup. Vasculitis implies inflammation of the vessels, and angiosclerosis isn’t a standard term used here.