Session 6 Flashcards
1
Q
Define the fundamental process of atheroma that leads to atherosclerosis.
A
Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of intracellular and extracellular lipid in the intima and media of large and medium sized arteries.
2
Q
Define atherosclerosis.
A
The thickening and hardening of arterial walls as a consequence of atheroma.
3
Q
Define arteriosclerosis.
A
The thickening of the walls of arteries and arterioles usually as a result of hypertension or diabetes mellitus.
4
Q
Describe the macroscopic features of atherosclerosis. (3)
A
- Fatty streak
- Simple plaque
- Complicated plaque
5
Q
What is the fatty streak?
Describe its appearance.
A
- Lipid deposits in intima
- Yellow, slightly raised
6
Q
Why is the relationship of fatty streaks to atherosclerosis debatable?
A
- Anatomical location of fatty streak doesn’t match anatomical location of atherosclerosis.
- Fatty streaks are distributed in populations worldwide, even in areas that don’t suffer from atherosclerosis.
- But accepted as part of the spectrum of atheroma for now.
7
Q
How does simple plaque appear?
A
- Raised yellow/white
- Irregular outline
- Widely distributed
- Enlarge and coalesce
