What condition is defined as inflammation of the liver caused by viruses or toxins?

The correct answer is hepatitis, which is defined specifically as inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections and exposure to toxins. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues, including jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis encompasses several different types, such as hepatitis A, B, C, and others, each of which has its own mode of transmission and characteristics.

Cirrhosis refers to the late stages of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver, often resulting from chronic hepatitis or long-term alcohol use, but does not describe the inflammation itself. Fibrosis is the process of scar tissue formation in the liver, which can be a consequence of conditions like hepatitis but does not represent the inflammation phase. Jaundice is a symptom characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, often resulting from liver dysfunction, but it is not a condition on its own. Hence, hepatitis is the most appropriate term to describe the inflammation of the liver.