Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which substance in the bloodstream is a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis?
A
Insulin
B
Hemoglobin
C
Glucose
D
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of atherosclerosis: It is a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart disease.
Identify the role of substances in the bloodstream: Insulin regulates blood sugar, hemoglobin carries oxygen, and glucose is a sugar molecule. None of these directly contribute to plaque formation in arteries.
Recognize the significance of cholesterol: Cholesterol is a lipid molecule transported in the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol' because it contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
Explain how LDL cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis: LDL cholesterol can deposit on the walls of arteries, leading to inflammation and the formation of plaques. Over time, this narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow.
Conclude that LDL cholesterol is the correct answer: It is the substance in the bloodstream most directly associated with the development of atherosclerosis, as it plays a key role in plaque formation.