atheroma (atherosclerotic plaque)

Introduction

also see atherosclerosis

Pathology

• lipid deposits on the arterial intima, producing a yellow-colored swelling on the surface of the endothelium.
• atheromas are characteristic of atherosclerosis.
• increased activity of the sympathetic nerve fibers within the adventitia of arteries increases growth or atheromas

More general terms

• abnormal morphologic structure (malformation)

More specific terms

• aortic atheroma

Additional terms

• atherosclerosis