Scler/o, meaning “hardening,” refers to conditions characterized by the thickening and stiffening of tissues. Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis harden arteries due to plaque buildup, while osteosclerosis thickens bone tissue. Nephrosclerosis damages kidney tissue, reducing function, and cirrhosis scars the liver. Pulmonary fibrosis scars lung tissue, hindering oxygen exchange. Other scler/o-related conditions include general tissue hardening (induration), calcium deposition (calcification), and the involvement of fibroblasts in fibrosis.
