The surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain is called?

• A. Carotid endarterectomy
• B. Cardiac catheterization
• C. Esophageal varices
• D. Bradycardia

Answer: (A)

This term refers to a procedure that removes the inner lining of a narrowed artery to restore blood flow to the brain. The operation, done on the carotid arteries in the neck, clears away atherosclerotic plaque from the intima—the inner lining of the artery—so blood can reach the brain more freely and reduce stroke risk. The word parts explain the idea: endarterectomy combines endo- (within) + arter (artery) + ectomy (removal). The carotid arteries are specifically targeted because blockages there directly affect blood supply to the brain. Other options point to unrelated areas or conditions—a heart catheterization works on the heart, esophageal varices are dilated veins in the esophagus, and bradycardia means a slow heart rate—so none describe removing plaque from the carotid artery.