Cirrhosis (end stage liver disease) = chronic liver disease that is degenerative & irreversible; Most often caused by alcoholism

Cholelithiasis = gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts

Jaundice = liver disease caused by high levels of bilirubin(causes yellowing of skin, mucosa and sclera)

Hepatitis A- most benign form, spread by fecal-oral route, common in children and young adults

Hepatomegaly= enlarged liver

Esophageal varices = varicose veins in the esophagus, prone to rupture, frequently caused by severe cirrhosis

Ascites=accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (result of liver failure/portal hypertension)

Hepatitis B is approximately 100 times more infectious than HIV

Gallstones form from bile salts and cholesterol

Biopsy is the most reliable test for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer

Primary biliary cirrhosis = rare disease that gradually destroys the bile ducts

Idiopathic = disease or condition with no known cause

Hepatic portal system = system of veins that transports blood from the digestive tract to the liver

Hepatitis E is commonly spread through water contamination (fecal-oral route)

Albumin is a blood protein produced by the liver, decreased albumin leads to fluid leaking into tissues and edema in lower extremities