The wall of the artery is made up of several layers.

The endothelium is usually smooth and unbroken.

If damage occurs to the endothelium there will be an inflammatory response.

White blood cells create this inflammatory response by moving into the area.

These white blood cells and lipids from the blood, clump together under the endothelium to form fatty streaks.

Over time, more white blood cells, lipids and connective tissue build up and harden to form a fibrous plaque.

This plaque is called an atheroma.

This partially blocks the lumen of the artey and restricts blood flow.

This causes blood pressure to increase.

The hardening of arteries, caused by atheromas, is called atherosclerosis.

	Created by TheHevzter almost 11 years ago

A-Levels Biology Note on Atheromas and Blood clots, created by TheHevzter on 05/21/2013.

Atheromas and Blood clots