Which mechanism describes how chronic lung injury (e.g., from smoking) can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and chronic organ damage instead of regeneration?
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Correct answer: Ongoing epithelial injury driving inflammation and fibroblast-mediated ECM deposition
Chronic injury to lung epithelium triggers persistent inflammation and activation of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, resulting in excessive extracellular matrix deposition (fibrosis) and compromised lung function.
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