What medical condition is characterized by yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes?

Jaundice is the medical condition that is specifically characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, known as sclerae. This yellowing occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver is not functioning properly or is unable to process and eliminate bilirubin effectively, it can accumulate, leading to the visible symptoms of jaundice.

While other conditions listed, such as cirrhosis, cholecystitis, and hepatitis, can be associated with jaundice or have jaundice as a symptom, they do not specifically define the condition itself. Cirrhosis refers to severe liver scarring, cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, and hepatitis signifies liver inflammation. Each of these conditions may contribute to jaundice occurring, but they are broader conditions that encompass a wider range of symptoms and complications. Thus, jaundice uniquely identifies the symptom of yellowing skin and eyes resulting from elevated bilirubin levels.