Atherosclerosis of the
Renal Artery

Arteries are comprised of three layers: the internal intima, the muscular media, and the external fibrous adventitia. Lipid deposited in the intima of a blood vessel forms an arteriosclerotic plaque which may also exhibit fibrosis and calcification (hardening of the arteries). Severe atherosclerosis leads to narrowing of the artery, and in the renal artery can lead to hypertension.		 Atherosclerosis of the Renal Artery medical illustration