Pathology · Cardiovascular System · Medium
Arteriosclerosis
Meaning: General thickening and loss of elasticity in the walls of vessels carrying blood away from the heart, often with ageing.
In practice: Long-standing hypertension causes arteriosclerosis of the small arteries in the kidneys.
Word parts
- -sclerosis means hardening
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related pathology words.
Which word means: Hormone-secreting tumour that drives excessive stomach acid production, leading to severe peptic ulcers.
Answer: Gastrinoma
Which word means: Fluke, a flat parasitic worm that can infect the blood, liver or lungs.
Answer: Trematode
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