Atherosclerosis is characterized by a buildup of _______ deposits on the inner walls of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is primarily characterized by the accumulation of a range of substances on the inner walls of arteries, but the most significant component is cholesterol. This process involves the formation of fatty streaks that eventually develop into plaques. While calcium deposits can also occur in later stages of atherosclerosis, and fat is a general term that could refer to various types of lipids, cholesterol specifically plays a critical role in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.

The term "plaque" is also relevant and refers to the buildup itself, which consists of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular debris, and other materials. However, focusing specifically on the nature of the deposits, cholesterol stands out as the primary substance involved in the early stages of atherosclerosis. It is deposited along with other lipids within the arterial walls, leading to inflammation and the progression of the disease. Therefore, recognizing cholesterol as a significant contributing factor helps clarify its central role in the development of atherosclerosis.