An aneurysm is defined as?

An aneurysm is defined as?

• A. Abnormal widening of arterial walls
• B. Narrowing of arteries
• C. Inflammation of arteries
• D. Blockage of arteries by lipids

Answer: (A)

An aneurysm is a localized abnormal widening of an artery due to weakness in the vessel wall. This expansion creates a balloon-like bulge that can grow over time and may rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. This concept is different from narrowing of arteries (stenosis), which reduces blood flow; inflammation of arteries (vasculitis), which involves immune-mediated swelling of the vessel wall; and blockage of arteries by lipids (plaque) that can occlude the lumen. Understanding that an aneurysm is about dilation helps explain why vessel wall weakness and pressure from blood flow predispose to rupture, especially in larger or more pressurized vessels.

An aneurysm is a localized abnormal widening of an artery due to weakness in the vessel wall. This expansion creates a balloon-like bulge that can grow over time and may rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening hemorrhage. This concept is different from narrowing of arteries (stenosis), which reduces blood flow; inflammation of arteries (vasculitis), which involves immune-mediated swelling of the vessel wall; and blockage of arteries by lipids (plaque) that can occlude the lumen. Understanding that an aneurysm is about dilation helps explain why vessel wall weakness and pressure from blood flow predispose to rupture, especially in larger or more pressurized vessels.