What structural change occurs in the arteries due to arteriosclerosis?

The structural change associated with arteriosclerosis primarily involves the stiffening and loss of elasticity in the arterial walls. Arteriosclerosis leads to the thickening of the tunica intima and can involve the development of plaque, but the most critical aspect is that this rigidity can obstruct blood flow. As the arteries become more rigid and narrow, it becomes more challenging for blood to pass through, resulting in increased blood pressure and reduced perfusion to the tissues.

In this context, it's essential to understand how the rigidity affects blood flow and the heart's workload. As the arteries stiffen, the body must exert more force to pump blood through the narrowed openings, which can eventually lead to cardiovascular complications. This is why the statement regarding obstruction of blood flow due to a rigid structure captures the primary consequence of arteriosclerosis in the arteries.

The other options focus on different aspects or do not accurately represent the structural changes that occur due to arteriosclerosis. For example, articular cartilage degradation pertains to joint issues rather than arterial changes, while thinning of vessel walls occurs in other conditions. The development of plaque in the tunica media, while relevant to atherosclerosis, is not the defining structural change associated with arteriosclerosis specifically.