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Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) of blood vessels
Courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show MRAs of the normal smooth appearance of the large blood vessel (aorta) that carries blood from the heart.
Figure 3 shows an MRA of a narrowed and abnormal aorta from the buildup of calcium and fat (cholesterol) in the inner lining of the artery, often called "hardening of the arteries" (atherosclerosis).
Current as of: May 1, 2026
Author: WebMD Ignite Staff
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