Stenosis is best defined as

• A. inflammation of a vein
• B. enlargement of a heart chamber
• C. abnormal narrowing of a body passage
• D. twisting of veins

Answer: (C)

Stenosis refers to abnormal narrowing of a body passage or vessel, which restricts the flow of blood or other substances. This narrowing increases resistance and can lead to reduced flow and higher upstream pressure. It’s not inflammation of a vein (phlebitis), not enlargement of a heart chamber (cardiomegaly or dilation), and not twisting of veins (torsion). An example is aortic or carotid stenosis, where the opening is narrowed and flow is impeded.