Which term describes a chronic degenerative liver disease characterized by scarring?

Which term describes a chronic degenerative liver disease characterized by scarring?

• A. Cirrhosis
• B. Hepatitis
• C. Jaundice
• D. Cholelithiasis

Answer: (A)

Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative liver disease characterized by scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules. This scarring distorts the liver’s architecture and impairs its ability to detoxify, metabolize nutrients, and synthesize proteins, leading to progressive dysfunction. The description in the question—long-standing liver injury with fibrosis and scar formation—fits cirrhosis best. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can lead to scarring but is defined by inflammation rather than scar formation itself. Jaundice is a symptom of liver dysfunction due to bilirubin buildup, not the disease process of scarring. Cholelithiasis involves gallstones in the gallbladder, not a liver tissue disease with scarring.

Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative liver disease characterized by scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules. This scarring distorts the liver’s architecture and impairs its ability to detoxify, metabolize nutrients, and synthesize proteins, leading to progressive dysfunction. The description in the question—long-standing liver injury with fibrosis and scar formation—fits cirrhosis best. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can lead to scarring but is defined by inflammation rather than scar formation itself. Jaundice is a symptom of liver dysfunction due to bilirubin buildup, not the disease process of scarring. Cholelithiasis involves gallstones in the gallbladder, not a liver tissue disease with scarring.