Which statement defines Hepatitis?

• A. Inflammation of the liver caused by a virus or a toxin
• B. A disease of the lungs
• C. A type of skin rash
• D. An autoimmune disorder

Answer: (A)

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. This condition is most often caused by viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, or C) or by exposure to toxins (like alcohol or certain medicines). When the liver becomes inflamed, its ability to perform its jobs—like processing nutrients, filtering toxins, and supporting immune function—can be impaired, depending on how severe the inflammation is. The statement that defines hepatitis clearly points to the organ affected (the liver) and the common causes (virus or toxin). The other options describe problems in different parts of the body or describe an autoimmune process, which isn’t the standard definition of hepatitis.