Many individuals suffer from atherosclerosis, an arterial disease that effects large to medium-sized muscular arteries. What does this disease do to the structure of an artery?

Atherosclerosis causes the artery to become very narrow - which interferes with blood circulation - by forming plaques that harden enough to damage the endothelium.

Explanation:

Atherosclerosis is a condition of unknown cause but related to unhealthy habits like smoking, having high cholesterol levels, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, besides family history.

Atherosclerosis is the number one cause of death and disability in developed countries. It generally starts at a young age and worsens over time, with the possibility to cause strokes, coronary artery disease, and other serious issues depending on the artery affected.

It reduces the diameter of an artery

Explanation:

Atherosclerosis results in the deposition of plaques on the arterial wall. The plaque deposition narrows the diameter of the artery and consequently interferes with the flow of blood through the artery in the process.

Hence, atherosclerosis functions by reducing the diameter of an artery due to plaque deposition.