AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by a build-up of fatty deposits such as cholesterol?

1. Atherosclerosis

2. Arteriosclerosis

3. Thrombosis

4. Embolism

The correct answer is: Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition that involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, primarily cholesterol, within the walls of arteries. This build-up can lead to the hardening and narrowing of these blood vessels, which restricts blood flow and can result in serious cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes. The process begins with damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of arteries, often due to factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or high cholesterol levels. Once the endothelium is compromised, cholesterol and other substances can infiltrate the artery wall and form plaques. Over time, these plaques can enlarge, causing further obstruction of blood flow. Understanding atherosclerosis is crucial as it highlights the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, to mitigate the risk factors associated with this condition. In contrast, the other options relate to different vascular issues: arteriosclerosis describes the general thickening and stiffening of arterial walls; thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel; and embolism involves the obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus, which can originate from a thrombus or other material.