Week 3 Pre-Learning: Bilirubin, Bile Flashcards
1
Q
What is bilirubin? (2)
A
- macrophages in the spleen and liver break down old red blood cells
- bilirubin is a byproduct of the destruction of aged red blood cells
2
Q
Bilirubin is a key component of ___
A
bile
3
Q
What is conjugated, or direct bilirubin? (2)
A
- Once RBC are destroyed, they become bilirubin, which needs to be removed from the body
- it needs to be processed (conjugated) by the liver, which makes it water soluble and allows it to be excreted in the bile
4
Q
Unconjugated bilirubin is also called ____ or ____ bilrubin
A
- direct
- free
5
Q
What occurs in the large intestine to bilirubin? (2)
A
- bacteria converts bilirubin into stercobilinogen and urobilinogen
- Stercobilinogen gives feces its brown colour
6
Q
Unconjugated vs Conjugated bilirubin diagram
A
7
Q
What is bile made up of? (5)
A
- bile salts
- cholesterol
- bilirubin
- electrolytes
- water
8
Q
What is bile required for? (2)
A
- emulsification
- absorption of fat in the intestinal tract
