Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is plaque in relation to the cardiovascular system?

1. A deposit of fatty material on the inner lining of an arterial wall

2. A type of white blood cell

3. A mineral deposit in bones

4. A type of cholesterol found in the liver

The correct answer is: A deposit of fatty material on the inner lining of an arterial wall

Plaque in relation to the cardiovascular system refers to a deposit of fatty material that accumulates on the inner lining of arterial walls. This buildup, which consists of lipids, cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris, can significantly impede blood flow and lead to atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries. As plaque continues to accumulate, it can eventually rupture, leading to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. Understanding this aspect of plaque is crucial for recognizing its role in cardiovascular health and disease prevention. The other options describe different entities that do not correlate with the definition of plaque in the cardiovascular context. For instance, white blood cells are components of the immune system rather than vascular structures. Mineral deposits in bones pertain to skeletal health rather than arterial health. Cholesterol found in the liver relates to the body's lipid metabolism, but it doesn't capture the specific context of plaque formation within the arteries.