Which statement best describes fatty streaks?

• A. They are composed of platelets
• B. They occur only in veins
• C. They are the earliest visible lesion in atherogenesis
• D. They completely occlude arteries

Answer: (C)

Fatty streaks represent the first visible step in the development of atherosclerosis. They consist of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) accumulating in the intima of arteries, creating flat, yellowish streaks. This early lesion marks the initiation of atherogenesis after endothelial injury and uptake of oxidized LDL by monocytes/macrophages. Over time, these fatty streaks can progress to more complex fibrofatty plaques as smooth muscle cells migrate and the intima thickens. They occur in arteries, not veins, and do not cause complete occlusion by themselves.