Arteriosclerosis refers to a thickening and hardening of
arteries. Arteriosclerosis is a general term describing any
hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries
(from the Greek αρτηρία, meaning artery, and σκληρωτικός,
meaning hardened). It should not be confused with
"atherosclerosis," which is a specific form of arteriosclerosis
caused by the build up of fatty plaques in the artery.
Arteriosclerosis has also been called "myoconditis," but this
term is no longer in general use. - Arteriosclerosis obliterans
is typically seen in medium and large arteries of the lower
extremity. Characterized by fibrosis of the intima and
calcification of the media. The lumen of the vessel may be
obliterated or markedly narrowed. - Medial calcific sclerosis
(Monckeberg’s calcific sclerosis) is seen mostly in the elderly,
commonly in arteries of the extremities. Characterized by
calcification of the Tunica media but without thickening of the
intima or narrowing of the vessel lumen. A similar form of an
intram