Final answer:
Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, leading to hyperbilirubinemia and a yellow appearance of the skin and eyes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin, a bile pigment, in the blood. When the concentration of bilirubin exceeds the normal levels, it leads to hyperbilirubinemia, which is the increased presence of bilirubin in the blood. This condition causes the skin and eyes to appear yellow, giving rise to jaundice.