Final answer:
Fatty liver is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fats in the liver. Physiological fatty liver is caused by factors like starvation or hormonal imbalances, whereas pathological fatty liver is often due to alcoholism or metabolic disorders. Cirrhosis, which involves scarring of the liver and can lead to chronic liver failure, is a separate condition that can arise from chronic liver damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'fatty liver' refers to an abnormal accumulation of fats in the liver, which occurs when the lipid content significantly exceeds the normal 5% benchmark, reaching upwards of 25% to 30%. This can lead to a disruption in the liver's normal functions, potentially causing conditions such as jaundice. There are two main types of fatty liver: physiological and pathological.
Physiological fatty liver develops due to an excess intake of fatty acids to the liver, beyond what it can metabolize. This can be caused by factors like starvation, diabetes mellitus, or hormonal imbalances that lead to increased lipolysis. On the other hand, pathological fatty liver happens when the liver receives normal amounts of fatty acids but is unable to metabolize them properly. This could be a consequence of alcoholism, infections, or metabolic issues hampering lipoprotein synthesis.
Cirrhosis is the formation of fibrous scar tissue in the liver, replacing dead liver cells. This can result from chronic damage due to conditions like viral hepatitis, alcoholism, or exposure to other toxic substances. This scarring leads to progressive liver function loss. Cirrhosis is different from fatty liver, although long-term fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis and chronic liver failure.
Common conditions that may lead to chronic liver failure include hemochromatosis—a hereditary condition causing iron accumulation—and various types of hepatitis and liver cancers. These conditions can cause significant damage, leading to a decline in the liver's ability to detoxify blood effectively, which can lead to complications such as hepatic encephalopathy.