An image shows gingival tissue that is red, edematous, and bleeds easily upon contact. Which term best describes the texture of this tissue?

Friable describes tissue that is easily crumbled, torn, or bleeds spontaneously or on minimal contact — a hallmark of severely inflamed or pathological tissue. Inflamed gingival tissue loses its normal fibrotic architecture and becomes delicate, edematous, and friable. This is contrasted with fibrotic or indurated tissue, which is firm and resistant to manipulation. In the context of highly inflamed gingiva, friable is the most accurate descriptive term.