What happens to the liver as a result of fatty liver disease?

Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells. This condition can lead to liver inflammation, which is characterized by the liver swelling as immune cells respond to the accumulation of fat and potential damage to liver cells.

Inflammation of the liver is a critical aspect of the progression of fatty liver disease and can lead to more serious liver damage, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver failure if not managed properly. Understanding this aspect of fatty liver disease highlights the liver's response to stress and its attempts to cope with abnormalities, such as the excessive fat deposits.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the physiological changes occurring in the liver due to fatty liver disease. While some liver diseases can lead to shrinkage or a doubling in size under specific conditions, fatty liver disease commonly presents with inflammation rather than size reduction or an improvement in detoxification processes.