Which term describes abnormal widening of arterial walls?

Which term describes abnormal widening of arterial walls?

• A. Aneurysm
• B. Atherosclerosis
• C. Varicose veins
• D. Abnormal widening of arterial walls

Answer: (D)

Abnormal widening of arterial walls is best described by the term aneurysm. An aneurysm is a localized dilation of an artery that results from a weakness in the vessel wall, and it can be either sac-shaped (saccular) or evenly dilated along its length (fusiform). This dilation increases wall tension and raises the risk of rupture, which can be life-threatening. Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup that narrows and stiffens arteries, not dilates them. Varicose veins are dilated veins caused by valve failure and are not arterial. The descriptive phrase duplicating the problem—“abnormal widening of arterial walls”—is not the standard medical term, whereas aneurysm precisely names the abnormal dilation of an artery.

Abnormal widening of arterial walls is best described by the term aneurysm. An aneurysm is a localized dilation of an artery that results from a weakness in the vessel wall, and it can be either sac-shaped (saccular) or evenly dilated along its length (fusiform). This dilation increases wall tension and raises the risk of rupture, which can be life-threatening. Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup that narrows and stiffens arteries, not dilates them. Varicose veins are dilated veins caused by valve failure and are not arterial. The descriptive phrase duplicating the problem—“abnormal widening of arterial walls”—is not the standard medical term, whereas aneurysm precisely names the abnormal dilation of an artery.