Carotid plaques are a common manifestation of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. These plaques are made up of a build-up of fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that can restrict blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of stroke. Carotid plaques are typically detected using ultrasound or imaging techniques and can be a focus of research in the fields of cardiology, neurology, and vascular medicine. Studies on carotid plaques often aim to understand their development, progression, and potential treatments to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.