Which term refers to chronic liver scarring due to long-term damage?

• A. Cirrhosis
• B. Fibrosis
• C. Hepatitis
• D. Steatosis

Answer: (A)

Chronic liver injury over time triggers ongoing scarring that, when extensive, disturbs the liver’s architecture and form. This advanced scarring with nodular regeneration is what defines cirrhosis, the stage where damage becomes irreversible and liver function is increasingly impaired. Fibrosis refers to scar tissue buildup from ongoing injury, but it is an earlier stage and does not necessarily mean the liver’s structure is irreversibly distorted. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, not specifically the long-term architectural changes caused by scarring. Steatosis is fat accumulation in liver cells, not scar formation. Therefore, cirrhosis best fits the description of chronic liver scarring due to long-term damage.