Atherosclerosis invades both the superficial and deep layers of the vessel walls. Arteriosclerosis occurs over a period of many years during which the arteries of the cardiovascular system develop areas which become hard and brittle.
Vessels become thickened.
There is a loss of elasticity. It can involve the arteries of the cardiovascular system, the brain, kidneys, upper and lower extremities. This occurs because of the deposition of calcium in their walls. Arteriosclerosis differs from atherosclerosis , which involves the buildup of fatty deposits in the innermost lining of large and medium-sized arteries. When arteriosclerosis involves the medium and smaller of the body, it is usually referred to as Monckeberg's, arteriosclerosis .