What distinguishes atherosclerosis from arteriosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is specifically characterized by the presence of plaques, known as atheromas, that form in the arterial walls. These plaques are composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. The accumulation of these plaques can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which restricts blood flow and can cause significant cardiovascular issues.

In contrast, arteriosclerosis is a broader term that refers to the general thickening and hardening of the artery walls, which can occur due to a variety of reasons, including aging or hypertension. The key difference lies in the presence of these distinct plaques in atherosclerosis, which are not necessarily present in all forms of arteriosclerosis.

Thus, the presence of atheroma is the defining feature that sets atherosclerosis apart from more general forms of arteriosclerosis, making it the correct answer to the question.