Atherosclerosis

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Questions and Answers

Which step of the chronic inflammatory response involves the migration of lymphocytes into the intima?

Step Three

Step Five (correct)

Step Two

Step One

What is the consequence of atherosclerosis that occurs when the lipid core of a plaque is exposed?

Lumen narrowing

Fatty streak formation

Plaque rupture (correct)

Increase in SMC proliferation

What is the macroscopic appearance of a fatty streak?

Raised white to yellow lesion

Small yellow flat spots (correct)

Localized swelling of the artery wall

Thickened fibrous cap

What is the microscopic appearance of a stable plaque?

Thickened fibrous caps with minimal lipid core Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of plaque rupture in atherosclerosis?

Formation of a blood clot Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of an increase in lipid accumulation in atherosclerosis?

Luminal narrowing Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of luminal narrowing in atherosclerosis?

Decrease in blood supply Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of plaque rupture in atherosclerosis?

Formation of a blood clot Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of luminal obstruction in atherosclerosis?

Infarction Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a blood clot formation in atherosclerosis?

Luminal obstruction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the development of atherosclerosis?

Endothelial damage, monocyte migration, foam cell formation, fatty streak formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of endothelial damage in atherosclerosis?

LDL Signup and view all the answers

What happens to monocytes in the development of atherosclerosis?

They migrate through the endothelium Signup and view all the answers

What are foam cells in the context of atherosclerosis?

Macrophages or smooth muscle cells that engulf lipids Signup and view all the answers

What is the earliest lesion of the atheroma called?

Fatty streak Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of smooth muscle cells in the development of atherosclerosis?

To provide structural support in the tunica media Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the chronic inflammatory response in atherosclerosis?

Endothelial damage Signup and view all the answers

What causes the endothelium to become leaky in atherosclerosis?

LDL oxidation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of monocytes in the development of atherosclerosis?

To migrate through the endothelium Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that attracts monocytes in the development of atherosclerosis?

Inflammatory response Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chronic Inflammatory Response and Lymphocyte Migration

Migration of lymphocytes into the intima marks a critical step in the chronic inflammatory response in atherosclerosis.

Consequences of Atherosclerosis

Exposure of the lipid core of a plaque can lead to thrombosis, resulting in blood vessel occlusion and potential ischemic events.
Luminal narrowing restricts blood flow, potentially leading to angina or tissue ischemia.
Increase in lipid accumulation contributes to plaque growth and instability, raising the risk of rupture.
Plaque rupture can result in the release of thrombogenic material, leading to acute vascular events like myocardial infarction.

Fatty Streak and Plaque Appearance

Macroscopically, a fatty streak appears as yellowish streaks on the arterial wall and is an early indicator of atherosclerosis.
Microscopically, a stable plaque is characterized by a fibrous cap and lipid-rich necrotic core, with smooth muscle cells contributing to plaque stability.

Consequences of Obstructions and Clots

Luminal obstruction due to plaque can diminish organ perfusion, resulting in ischemic symptoms.
Formation of a blood clot (thrombus) at the plaque site can completely obstruct blood flow, leading to severe complications.

Sequence of Atherosclerosis Development

The development of atherosclerosis follows a sequence: endothelial injury, monocyte recruitment, foam cell formation, and plaque maturation.

Endothelial Damage and Inflammatory Response

Endothelial damage is primarily caused by factors such as hypertension, smoking, and elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
Increased permeability of the endothelium allows lipoproteins and leukocytes to penetrate the arterial wall.

Role of Monocytes and Foam Cells

Monocytes migrate into the arterial wall in response to inflammatory signals and differentiate into macrophages.
Foam cells, formed from lipid-laden macrophages, are crucial contributors to plaque development and progression.

Early Lesions and Smooth Muscle Role

The earliest lesion of the atheroma is called a fatty streak, marking the onset of atherosclerosis.
Smooth muscle cells play a significant role by proliferating and forming a fibrous cap that stabilizes plaques.

Factors Attracting Monocytes

Chemotactic factors such as oxidized LDL and cytokines attract monocytes to sites of endothelium damage, initiating inflammation and atherogenesis.

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Description

Test your knowledge on atherosclerosis and learn about the mechanisms involved in the development of atheroma, as well as the macroscopic and microscopic appearances of the condition. Explore topics such as chronic endothelial damage and the chronic inflammatory response.