Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease of blood vessels that is responsible for millions of deaths each year. Describe the disease process, noting the involvement of specific cell/tissue types and molecules
What will be an ideal response
The disease process involves several stages and usually affects the aorta and coronary arteries. The initial event involves damage to the tunica intima caused by bloodborne chemicals or physical factors such as a mechanical stress from hypertension or infection. Injured endothelial cells release chemicals that increase the uptake by the endothelium of fats, LDLs, and cholesterol. This eventually attracts macrophages that ingest the oxidized fats and, along with smooth muscle cells from the tunica media, transform into foam cells. Foam cells become fatty streaks, which, along with collagen and elastin fibers secreted by smooth muscle cells, form atherosclerotic plaques. These protrude into the lumen and narrow the blood vessels.
You might also like to view...
If a bone is immersed in a weak acid such as vinegar for several days, its inorganic components will dissolve. What will be the result of such an experiment?
A. The spongy bone will dissolve, leaving only the outer compact bone. B. The compact bone will dissolve, leaving only the inner spongy bone. C. The bone will dissolve completely. D. The bone will become extremely brittle. E. The bone will become soft and bendable.
Which of the following is an example of a condition producing restrictive pulmonary disease?
a) scoliosis b) tuberculosis c) emphysema d) asthma
The most abundant anion in the extracellular fluid is
A. negatively charged proteins. B. phosphate. C. chloride. D. hydrogen. E. acetic acid.
The typical resting heart rate beats at __________ beats per minute
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word