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What organ can be damaged by hepatitis, a blood-borne virus?

  1. Heart

  2. Liver

  3. Kidney

  4. Lung

The correct answer is: Liver

The liver is the organ that can be damaged by hepatitis, which is a condition caused by inflammation of the liver typically resulting from a viral infection. Hepatitis specifically refers to the Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, and these can all lead to significant liver damage if the infection is severe or becomes chronic. The liver has numerous functions, including detoxifying harmful substances, metabolizing drugs, producing proteins important for blood clotting, and managing metabolic processes. When hepatitis viruses infect the liver, they can cause inflammation and impair these critical functions, leading to symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. In serious cases, long-term hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer. The other organs mentioned, such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs, are not directly affected by hepatitis viruses. They have different functions and are susceptible to different types of diseases and conditions but do not experience damage from hepatitis infections. Understanding the specific impact of hepatitis helps clarify its potential consequences on the body, centering on the liver as the primary organ of concern.