EXAM 5

Question 1

What are the functions of the liver?

Answer 1

BREAKDOWN of old hemoglobin into bilirubin
PRODUCTION of bile (which carries bilirubin for excretion)
SYNTHESIS of albumin, calcidiol, angiotensin, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins, clotting factors
METABOLISM of carbohydrates - converts glucose to glycogen and vice versa
CONVERSION of ammonia to urea
DETOXIFICATION of drugs and toxins
STORAGE of vitamins, minerals, glycogen, and albumin

Question 2

What are the most common causes of cirrhosis?

Answer 2

Chronic Hepatitis C infection (contact with infected blood)
Alcohol-induced liver disease

Question 3

What does the accumulation of bile salts cause?

Answer 3

Pruritus (itching) - bile salts accumulate in the skin when bile flow is impaired, irritating nerve endings and causing intense itching.

Question 4

What causes jaundice?

Answer 4

Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, due to liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, excessive RBC breakdown

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of jaundice?

Answer 5

Yellowing of skin and eyes
light-colored stool
darker urine
pruritus