MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 20, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A

Definition of Plaque

Plaque: 1. An semi-hardened accumulation of substances from fluids that bathe an area. Examples include dental plaque and cholesterol plaque.

  • Minerals form dental plaque around the teeth as a result of bacterial action on food particles. Dental plaque provides an ideal environment for dental caries (cavities) to develop. To reduce the risk, plaque should be removed by daily brushing and flossing, and by regular dental cleanings.
  • Cholesterol is a key component in plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels and can lead to blood clot formation. heart attacks, and stroke. The risk of these problems can be reduced by maintaining normal blood cholesterol and sometimes requires medications.

2. In dermatology, a plaque is a patch of a small area of skin that appears different than the surrounding skin and is usually raised.


Last Editorial Review: 11/6/2003

Search All of MedicineNet For:
  


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List

Heart Health

Get the latest treatment options.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain





Definition of Plaque Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.