Which term means widening of a blood vessel due to pressure on weakened tissues causing formation of a sac of blood?

• A. Aneurysm
• B. Rub
• C. Pulse
• D. AAA

Answer: (A)

An aneurysm is a widening or dilation of a blood vessel caused by weakening of the vessel wall, with blood pressure pushing outward to form a sac that can fill with blood. This describes the situation where the vessel becomes enlarged and forms a contained bulge, which can pose a risk if it enlarges further or ruptures. It often occurs in arteries, especially the aorta, and patient outcomes depend on vessel size and location.

Rub isn’t a medical term for this process, and a pulse refers to the rhythmic expansion of an artery with each heartbeat rather than a fixed dilation. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a specific location of an aneurysm, not the general term for the described widening.