Diseases of the liver can result in reduced production of plasma proteins. How might this condition affect the function of the lymphatic system?
A) The risk for edema is increased due to decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure. This would increase lymph formation.
B) The risk for edema is decreased due to decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure. This would decrease lymph formation.
C) The risk for edema is increased due to increased plasma colloid osmotic pressure. This would increase lymph formation.
D) The risk for edema is increased due to decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure. This would decrease lymph formation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The liver produces plasma proteins that contribute to the plasma colloid osmotic pressure, which helps to retain water within the blood vessels. Reduced production of these proteins decreases the plasma colloid osmotic pressure, leading to more fluid leaking out into the tissues, increasing the risk for edema and thereby increasing lymph formation as the lymphatic system works to remove this excess tissue fluid.

Diseases of the Liver Can Result in Reduced Production of Plasma