Final answer:
Hepatitis B is an viral inflammatory liver disease marked by hepatocyte necrosis and liver structure disruption. The hepatitis B virus causes it, leading to symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain, and can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The viral inflammatory disease of the liver characterized by necrosis of hepatocytes and a disruption in liver structure is known as Hepatitis B. Hepatitis broadly refers to the inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by several factors including various viruses, poisons, autoimmunity, or hereditary conditions. Hepatitis B is one specific type of viral hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This disease can be particularly severe, as it may lead to chronic infection, which can increase the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
When infected with HBV, the virus spreads through viremia to organs such as the spleen, kidneys, and primarily the liver where it replicates within hepatocytes. This replication and subsequent destruction of liver cells cause symptoms such as malaise, anorexia, loss of appetite, dark urine, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, and gray stool.
Cirrhosis can be a long-term consequence of chronic Hepatitis B, represented by the replacement of dead liver cells with fibrous tissue, leading to a progressive loss of liver function.