atheroma
Noun: A fatty deposit, primarily composed of cholesterol and other lipids, that forms within the intima (the innermost layer) of an artery. This accumulation is a characteristic feature of atherosclerosis and can narrow the arterial lumen, potentially obstructing blood flow.
The term is used in medical and biological contexts to describe a specific pathological lesion within blood vessels. - It is typically a countable noun (e.g., an atheroma, multiple atheromas). - It refers to the material buildup itself, not the general disease process (which is atherosclerosis).
- The autopsy revealed a significant atheroma in the left coronary artery.
- High cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of an atheroma.
- The surgeon carefully removed the atheroma to restore blood flow.
- Atheromatous (adjective): Describes something pertaining to or affected by atheromas.
- The patient had severe atheromatous plaque in the carotid arteries.
- The phrase "unstable atheroma" refers to a deposit with a thin fibrous cap that is prone to rupture, which can trigger a blood clot and cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Atherosclerosis (noun): The chronic disease process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to atheroma formation.
- Plaque (noun): In cardiovascular medicine, this is often used synonymously with , though can sometimes refer to a more advanced, complex lesion.
- Arterial plaque
- Fatty streak (an early, flat type of atheroma)
- Lipid-rich lesion
The core meaning is a fatty deposit in an artery wall. While it is the fundamental lesion of atherosclerosis, the two terms are distinct: - Atheroma: The physical deposit. - Atherosclerosis: The overall disease condition involving the buildup of such deposits.
- a fatty deposit in the intima (inner lining) of an artery; can obstruct blood flow