Which term describes ballooning of arterial walls due to weakness?

• A. Embolism
• B. Angina
• C. Thrombus
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (D)

Ballooning of arterial walls due to weakness is called an aneurysm. When the vessel wall becomes weakened, especially in the middle layers, the pressure of flowing blood causes a segment to widen or dilate, creating a balloon-like dilation that can be round (fusiform) or pouch-shaped (saccular). This weakening and dilation can arise from factors such as atherosclerosis, long-standing hypertension, connective tissue disorders, or congenital vulnerabilities. This term is distinct from other vascular problems: an embolism is a piece of material that travels and blocks a vessel, angina is chest pain from reduced blood flow to the heart, and a thrombus is a blood clot attached to the vessel wall. An aneurysm itself carries important risks, notably rupture or dissection, and treatment decisions depend on its size, location, and growth pattern.