What substance is described as a combination of cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and other elements that can clog arteries?

The substance that is a combination of cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and other elements that can clog arteries is plaque. Plaque develops when these substances accumulate on the walls of arteries, leading to a narrowing of the blood vessels and ultimately hindering blood flow. This build-up, referred to as atherosclerosis, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

Plaque is specifically a complex mixture that forms due to chronic inflammation and the accumulation of lipids, including cholesterol. Over time, as plaque continues to grow, it can harden and become calcified, which further contributes to the obstruction of arterial pathways.

In contrast, fibrin is a protein involved in blood clotting, while a thrombus relates to a blood clot that can form within a blood vessel and impede blood flow. Fatty acids, though related to lipids and metabolism, do not specifically refer to the build-up within arteries. Thus, plaque is the most accurate descriptor of the given substance.