Cirrhosis

This is the hardening of tissues or organs when they are overgrown with connective tissue. Most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis. It occurs after hepatitis, alcohol abuse, insufficient protein, and vitamin intake. In cirrhosis, the liver hardens, with connective tissue spreading within. The liver cannot perform its functions due to the diffuse destruction of hepatic parenchymal cells. The normal architecture of the liver structure is destroyed, blood circulation is disrupted, and hepatocyte function is impaired. This is often the cause of jaundice, portal vein hypertension, and ascites. Cirrhosis is an irreversible process.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė