A 50-year-old woman presents to the family medicine clinic. She admits to drinking a six-pack of beer each day with a little more intake on weekends. Laboratory tests show elevated alanine aminotransferase/serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST/SGOT). Her sclerae appear jaundiced and her serum bilirubin is $2.5 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}$ (normal 0.3-1.9 mg/dL). A biopsy shows hepatic fibrosis with significant loss of normal lobular structure. Jaundice is most likely to result when the proper location or orientation of what hepatic structures is disrupted?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jaundice results from the disruption of hepatocytes, which are responsible for processing and excreting bilirubin. Damage to these cells impairs bilirubin metabolism, leading to its accumulation and resulting in jaundice.

A 50-Year-Old Woman Presents to the Family Medicine Clinic 2.5mg/dL2.5 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}2.5mg/dL

A 50-Year-Old Woman Presents to the Family Medicine Clinic $2.5 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dL}$