Which term describes the ballooning of a weakened arterial wall?

Which term describes the ballooning of a weakened arterial wall?

• A. Anastomosis
• B. Antecubital
• C. Angiocatheter
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (D)

The ballooning of a weakened arterial wall is called an aneurysm. It happens when a segment of an artery becomes dilated because the wall has been weakened, often in the tunica media, so it can bulge under the pressure of blood flow. This dilation increases rupture risk and may be discovered incidentally or present with pain or shock if it tears or bursts. Other terms don’t describe this process: an anastomosis is a surgical connection between two vessels; antecubital refers to the inner elbow region; an angiocatheter is a thin tube used to access a blood vessel for procedures.

The ballooning of a weakened arterial wall is called an aneurysm. It happens when a segment of an artery becomes dilated because the wall has been weakened, often in the tunica media, so it can bulge under the pressure of blood flow. This dilation increases rupture risk and may be discovered incidentally or present with pain or shock if it tears or bursts.

Other terms don’t describe this process: an anastomosis is a surgical connection between two vessels; antecubital refers to the inner elbow region; an angiocatheter is a thin tube used to access a blood vessel for procedures.