Which sequence lists the common sites of atherosclerosis in order from most to least affected?

Which sequence lists the common sites of atherosclerosis in order from most to least affected?

• A. Carotid
• B. Abdominal aorta > Coronary arteries > Popliteal > Carotid
• C. Popliteal
• D. Coronary arteries

Answer: (B)

Atherosclerosis tends to involve vessels in order of how prone they are to endothelial injury and disturbed flow in large arteries. The abdominal aorta is the most commonly affected site because of its large caliber and constant, high-volume flow with turbulent stresses at branch points, which favors lipid deposition and plaque formation. Next, the coronary arteries are commonly involved due to their high flow and pressure, promoting plaque development that can limit oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The popliteal arteries in the legs are the next most frequent site, where long, muscular segments and bending during movement contribute to endothelial injury and plaque buildup. The carotid arteries are involved less frequently than these others, although when plaques form there they raise the risk of stroke. Therefore the typical order from most to least affected is abdominal aorta, then coronary arteries, then popliteal, and finally carotid.

Atherosclerosis tends to involve vessels in order of how prone they are to endothelial injury and disturbed flow in large arteries. The abdominal aorta is the most commonly affected site because of its large caliber and constant, high-volume flow with turbulent stresses at branch points, which favors lipid deposition and plaque formation. Next, the coronary arteries are commonly involved due to their high flow and pressure, promoting plaque development that can limit oxygen supply to the heart muscle. The popliteal arteries in the legs are the next most frequent site, where long, muscular segments and bending during movement contribute to endothelial injury and plaque buildup. The carotid arteries are involved less frequently than these others, although when plaques form there they raise the risk of stroke. Therefore the typical order from most to least affected is abdominal aorta, then coronary arteries, then popliteal, and finally carotid.