End-Organ Damage Mechanisms · USMLE Step 1

Which factor influences whether tissue injury heals by regeneration or progresses to fibrosis and permanent organ damage?

  1. Injury severity and duration, tissue regenerative capacity, and chronic inflammation
  2. Only the specific type of toxin involved
  3. Whether the injury stems from infection or trauma
  4. Solely the age of the affected patient
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Correct answer: Injury severity and duration, tissue regenerative capacity, and chronic inflammation

Regeneration vs fibrosis depends on the severity and chronicity of injury, the inherent regenerative ability of the tissue (e.g., liver vs myocardium), and whether inflammation resolves; chronic or repeated injury favors fibrosis.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 20

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