Ontario Grade 11 Biology Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The term that describes the condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries, which can lead to increased blood pressure, is arteriosclerosis. This condition involves the thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls, contributing to reduced blood flow and higher resistance against the heart, which can subsequently elevate blood pressure levels.

Arteriosclerosis is a general term that encompasses various types of arterial stiffness and thickening, while the specific process of plaque buildup within the arteries is referred to as atherosclerosis. Although atherosclerosis can also lead to increased blood pressure, it is specifically the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries rather than just the hardening of the arterial walls. Hypertension, on the other hand, is the clinical term for high blood pressure itself, which can result from various underlying conditions including arteriosclerosis. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively but is not directly related to the hardening of arteries.