FIBROUS PLAQUE Meaning and
Definition
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A fibrous plaque refers to an abnormal accumulation of fibrous tissue on the inner lining of arteries. It is typically composed of collagen, smooth muscle cells, and lipid deposits, such as cholesterol. This condition is commonly associated with atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the narrowing and hardening of arteries.
The formation of fibrous plaques begins when fatty deposits, known as plaque, accumulate within the arterial walls. Over time, these fatty deposits attract immune cells, which initiate an inflammatory response. The inflammation induces the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, which then produce collagen and elastin fibers, contributing to the fibrous nature of the plaque.
As the fibrous plaque grows, it can impede blood flow through the affected artery. This can lead to various complications depending on the location of the plaque. For example, if a fibrous plaque develops in coronary arteries, it can obstruct blood flow to the heart, resulting in angina or even a heart attack. When it occurs in cerebral arteries, it can restrict blood supply to the brain, potentially causing a stroke.
Diagnosis of fibrous plaques is often performed through imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment strategies for fibrous plaques primarily focus on managing underlying conditions like atherosclerosis and preventing further plaque formation. This may involve lifestyle modifications, medications to control cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and in some cases, surgery or interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement to widen narrowed arteries and restore blood flow.
Common Misspellings for FIBROUS PLAQUE
- dibrous plaque
- cibrous plaque
- vibrous plaque
- gibrous plaque
- tibrous plaque
- ribrous plaque
- fubrous plaque
- fjbrous plaque
- fkbrous plaque
- fobrous plaque
- f9brous plaque
- f8brous plaque
- fivrous plaque
- finrous plaque
- fihrous plaque
- figrous plaque
- fibeous plaque
- fibdous plaque
- fibfous plaque
- fibtous plaque
Etymology of FIBROUS PLAQUE
The word "fibrous" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", which means "fiber". In the context of "fibrous plaque", it refers to the characteristic composition of the plaque, which is made up of fibrous tissue.
The word "plaque" is derived from the Latin word "placca", meaning "flat plate". It initially referred to a flat, thin metal plate, but over time, its meaning expanded to include any similar thin, flat object or formation. In the medical context, the term "plaque" is commonly used to describe a buildup of abnormal material on the inner walls of blood vessels. When combined with "fibrous", it specifically refers to the formation of plaque composed of fibrous tissue.
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