Alcohol can have a variety of effects on the body, and among the options you've provided, here are the relevant explanations:
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Widened Arteries: Alcohol can lead to the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation) in the short term, which may cause temporary drops in blood pressure. However, chronic alcohol use can have harmful effects on cardiovascular health.
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Buildup of Muscle Tissue: While moderate alcohol consumption might not directly promote muscle growth and can even impede recovery and muscle building, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to muscle loss over time, generally countering any potential benefits.
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Breakdown of Cartilage: Chronic alcohol consumption may contribute to joint problems and degrade cartilage over time, as alcohol can lead to inflammation and other health issues.
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Cirrhosis of the Liver: This is a well-known consequence of chronic alcohol abuse, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impairing liver function and potentially leading to liver failure.
Among your responses, "cirrhosis of the liver" is the most serious and well-documented effect of excessive alcohol consumption.