Which term describes chronic destruction of liver cells?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Flatulence
• C. IBS
• D. Cirrhosis

Answer: (D)

Cirrhosis describes chronic destruction of liver cells. It occurs when ongoing liver injury leads to death of hepatocytes, with healthy tissue being replaced by fibrous scar tissue and nodules. This scarring disrupts the liver’s ability to detoxify, synthesize proteins, and regulate metabolism. Cirrhosis is the end result of long‑term liver disease from causes like chronic hepatitis, heavy alcohol use, or fatty liver disease. The other terms refer to conditions that affect different parts of the digestive system or are not about long‑term liver cell destruction, so they don’t fit the description.