In pathology, what is often a consequence of severe inflammation?

Severe inflammation can lead to the formation of adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that can form between internal organs and tissues as a result of the inflammatory response. When tissues are injured or undergo significant inflammation, the body's natural healing processes can cause nearby tissues to stick together. This adhesion formation can occur particularly in the abdominal cavity after surgeries or infections.

Adhesions may result from the activation of fibroblasts during the repair process, leading to excessive collagen deposition. This can create a fibrous connection between previously separate structures, potentially causing complications such as pain or obstruction, and may necessitate surgical intervention if they impact organ function.

In contrast, while other choices reflect different outcomes associated with inflammatory processes, they do not capture this specific consequence. Plethora, for instance, refers to an excess of blood in the vessels, regeneration relates to the ability of tissues to heal and regrow, and hemorrhage involves bleeding, which can occur during inflammation but is not a defining consequence. Thus, the formation of adhesions distinctly highlights a notable and often clinically relevant consequence of severe inflammation.