Histology and Explanation of Coronary atherosclerosis - fibro fatty plaque

Coronary artery with atherosclerosis (fibro-lipid or fibro-fatty plaque). The atheromatous fibro-fatty plaque is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in the intima of the arteries, narrowing the lumen and compressing the muscular layer. Beneath the endothelium it has a "fibrous cap" covering the atheromatous "core" of the plaque, which consists in cholesterol, cholesterol esters, fibrin, lipid-laden cells (macrophages and smooth muscle cells), proteoglycans, collagen, elastin and cellular debris. The cholesterol crystals form empty, needle-like clefts. At the periphery of the plaque are "foamy" cells and capillaries.