Tags: Disease.
An atheroma is an accumulation of degenerative material in the tunica intima (inner layer) of artery walls. The material consists of (mostly) macrophage cells or debris containing lipids (cholesterol and fatty acids) calcium and a variable amount of fibrous connective tissue. The accumulated material forms a swelling in the artery wall which may intrude into the channel of the artery narrowing it and restricting blood flow.
