Cirrhosis of the liver results in what kind of tissue replacement?

Cirrhosis of the liver is a progressive disease characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with extensive fibrosis, leading to the formation of nonfunctioning scar tissue. This process occurs as the liver responds to long-term damage caused by factors such as chronic alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease.

As liver cells are damaged and die, the body's attempt to repair the liver results in the development of scar tissue, disrupting the normal structure and function of the liver. This scar tissue does not perform the necessary functions of healthy liver tissue, contributing to the decline in liver function and potentially leading to serious complications such as liver failure.

The other options—healthy cells, inflamed tissues, and fatty deposits—do not accurately describe the tissue replacement seen in cirrhosis. Healthy cells would imply recovery and function, which is not the case in advanced cirrhosis. Inflamed tissues may be seen in the early stages of liver disease but do not define cirrhosis specifically. Fatty deposits can accompany liver disease but do not explain the specific replacement of liver tissue associated with cirrhosis. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the key pathological change of fibrosis leading to nonfunctioning scar tissue.