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n. A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the presence of lesions (called plaques) on the innermost layer of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries. The plaques contain lipids, collagen, inflammatory cells, and other substances and can impede blood flow or rupture, leading to serious problems such as heart attack or stroke. [ATHERO(MA) + SCLEROSIS.] ath′er·o·scle·rotic (-rŏtĭk) adj. ath′er·o·scle·roti·cal·ly adv.  (click for a larger image) atherosclerosis |
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