In pathology, an<unk>  (plural:<unk> ta) is an accumulation and swelling (-oma) in artery walls that is made up of cells, or cell debris, that contain lipids (cholesterol and fatty acids), calcium  and a variable amount of fibrous connective tissue. In the context of heart or artery matters,<unk> ta are commonly referred to as<unk> tous plaques. It is an unhealthy condition, but is found in most humans.
These anatomic lesions usually begin in later childhood, well before age 10, and progress over time. Veins do not develop<unk> ta, unless surgically moved to function as an artery, as in bypass surgery. The accumulation (swelling) is always between the endothelium lining and the smooth muscle wall central region (media) of the arterial tube, see IMT. While the early stages, based on gross appearance, have traditionally been termed fatty streaks by pathologists, they are not composed of fat cells, i.e. adipose cells, but of accumulations of white blood cells, especially macrophages that have taken up oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL).  After they accumulate large amounts of cytoplasmic membranes (with associated high cholesterol content) they are called foam cells.  When foam cells die, their contents are released, which attracts more macrophages and creates an extracellular lipid core near the center to inner surface of each atherosclerotic plaque. Conversely, the outer, older portions of the plaque become more calcific, less metabolically active and more physically stiff over time.
Collectively, the process of<unk>  development within an individual is called atherogenesis and the overall result of the disease process is termed atherosclerosis.
Atheroma
Blood cyst
Lymphangioma
Hemangioma
Ganglion cyst
Baker's cyst
Chondroma
Angiokeratoma