Question

If an individual has end stage liver disease, characterized by death of hepatocytes and their subsequent replacement by connective tissue, what functional prediction would you make about that individual’s digestive capability? Be specific about the macromolecule digestion that would be affected and be sure to include your rationale explaining why that deficit would exist in this scenario.

Answer 1

Ascites is commonly seen in patients with liver diseases. in this condition fluid accumulation is in peritoneal cavity beacuse of the portal hypertension that is increase in the pressure of the portal hepatic veins of the liver. This causes beacuse of the hardening of the liver.

Lots of fat and proteins are accumulated in the ascietic fluid with suppling those proteins to the body. so, malnutrition is seen in the patients. beacuse of which their muscular activity is also slow down. this causes decrease in the motility of the gut, which causes decrease in the digestive process and absorption of the food.

Liver produces a important compound called bile. it is used for the emlusification of the fats and helps in the absorption of fats from the intestine into the body. as the liver is damaged and is at the scaring stage it will not be able to produce the bile, even it is produced most of it doesnt enter the digestive tract beacuse of the portal pressure it eners the blood and yellowing of the skin and eyes is commonly seen those people. The macrolecule that is effected is fat.