Explanation:

The hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the build-up of plaque, primarily composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin, is a condition known as atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a general term for the hardening of arteries, and atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis. Option (C) is correct because arteriosclerosis (specifically atherosclerosis) directly describes the hardening of arteries caused by cholesterol deposition. Option (A) is incorrect; Stenosis refers to the abnormal narrowing of a body passage or opening, which can be a *result* of arteriosclerosis but is not the term for the hardening itself. Option (B) is incorrect; Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. Option (D) is incorrect; Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood, which can be a *complication* of arteriosclerosis but not the hardening itself.