**Core Concept**
Sepsis and septic shock are life-threatening conditions that occur when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction. The pathophysiology of sepsis involves the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, which trigger a cascade of events that ultimately lead to tissue damage and organ failure.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves understanding the immunopathogenesis of sepsis. Sepsis is characterized by an initial hyper-inflammatory response, followed by a compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS). This complex interplay between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators leads to the development of organ dysfunction. The release of cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, triggers the activation of various cellular pathways, including the NF-kB pathway, which ultimately leads to the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the pathophysiology of sepsis. While inflammation is indeed a key component of sepsis, the statement is too broad and does not capture the complex interplay between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the role of cytokines in sepsis. While cytokines are released during sepsis, they do not directly cause organ dysfunction. Instead, they trigger a cascade of events that ultimately lead to tissue damage and organ failure.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS) that occurs in sepsis. CARS is a critical component of the pathophysiology of sepsis, but it is not a direct cause of organ dysfunction.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl to remember is that sepsis is a clinical diagnosis, and early recognition and treatment are critical to preventing organ dysfunction and improving outcomes. The SOFA score is a useful tool for predicting organ dysfunction in patients with sepsis.

**Correct Answer: C.**