Final answer:
The progressive sequence starting with a fatty liver involves the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to fibrosis and eventually to cirrhosis, a serious condition characterized by scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue and leading to loss of liver function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The progressive sequence involving fatty liver, fibrosis (scar tissue), and cirrhosis (loss of function) starts with an accumulation of fat in the liver. This condition, known as fatty liver, can arise from an overabundance of fatty acids that the liver is unable to adequately metabolize. It can be due to various factors including obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, and certain medications. Over time, if the underlying cause is not addressed, the condition may advance to fibrosis, where persistent inflammation leads to the formation of scar tissue in the liver.
As the fibrotic process progresses, the scar tissue can overwhelm healthy liver tissue, resulting in cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the final stage of liver disease marked by the replacement of normal liver tissue with nonfunctional scar tissue and a progressive loss of liver function. Complications of cirrhosis such as ascites (fluid retention), portal hypertension (increased blood pressure in the liver's blood vessels), and hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and coma due to liver dysfunction) can significantly impair quality of life and are potentially life-threatening.