What is atherosclerosis?
The slow buildup of a blockage in an artery due to pressure damaging the endothelium
What is the endothelium?
The smooth lining on the lumen of blood vessels that lowers friction.
What is a positive feedback loop?
Where a condition in the body changes and the body acts, furthering the change.
What is the response to the damaged endothelium in the artery?
White blood cells enter the endothelium and attach to cholesterol, forming an atheroma inside the lining.
TorF:
TorF: calcium salt and fibrous tissues form over the atheroma, hardening the wall of the artery.
True
What does the hardening of the atheroma do?
Further increases pressure, continuing the loop.
What can happen as a result of atherosclerosis?
•Coronary artery disease
•Blood clotting
•Strokes
