What condition arises from the replacement of normal liver tissue with fibrous tissue?

Cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by the replacement of normal liver tissue with fibrous tissue, a process that typically results from chronic liver damage over time. This fibrotic response occurs as the liver attempts to repair itself following injuries caused by various factors, such as prolonged alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or metabolic disorders.

As the disease progresses, the architecture of the liver is altered, leading to impaired liver function and potentially serious complications. This condition affects the liver's ability to detoxify harmful substances, produce essential proteins, and regulate blood clotting.

Other conditions listed, such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer, involve different pathological processes and do not specifically denote the fibrous replacement of liver tissue. Hepatitis primarily refers to inflammation of the liver, fatty liver disease denotes the accumulation of fat in liver cells, and liver cancer involves abnormal cell growth leading to tumor formation. Understanding how cirrhosis develops and the role of fibrous tissue can emphasize the importance of addressing liver health and lifestyle factors that may contribute to chronic liver disease.