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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Cirrhosis represents an “end-stage liver” - the final, irreversible result of diffuse hepatic disease, involving architectural disruption of the entire liver. Underlying chronic injury leads to loss of hepatic tissue with replacement [[Liver Fibrosis|fibrosis]]. Nodular regeneration occurs within regions of hepatic tissue in between fibrous tissue bands, giving rise to the characteristic multinodular gross appearance of this condition.

Cirrhosis represents an “end-stage liver” - the final, irreversible result of diffuse hepatic disease, involving architectural disruption of the entire liver. Underlying chronic injury leads to loss of hepatic tissue with replacement [[Liver Fibrosis|fibrosis]]. Nodular regeneration occurs within regions of hepatic tissue in between fibrous tissue bands, giving rise to the characteristic multinodular gross appearance of this condition. Overall, the liver is smaller than normal and firm to cut, firmness is due to the presence of fibrous tissue. It is pale, sometimes yellow in colour.  

The three characteristic microscopic features of cirrhosis are:

The three characteristic microscopic features of cirrhosis are:

Cirrhosis is usually the end result of multiple pathological processes, in particular cell death and active inflammation with fibrosis. Regardless of the original underlying aetiology, however, the end-stage liver can no longer perform its functions, and is therefore associated with clinical manifestations of [[Liver Failure|hepatic failure]].

Cirrhosis is usually the end result of multiple pathological processes, in particular cell death and active inflammation with fibrosis. Regardless of the original underlying aetiology, however, the end-stage liver can no longer perform its functions, and is therefore associated with clinical manifestations of [[Liver Failure|hepatic failure]].

==References ==

==References ==