QuestionJune 4, 2025

Explain why the underproduction of albumin by a cirrhotic liver contributes to excessive filtration, which leads to ascites. Refer again to the forces that determine net filtration pressure in the hepatic capillaries, and to the function of albumins. square

Explain why the underproduction of albumin by a cirrhotic liver contributes to excessive filtration, which leads to ascites. Refer again to the forces that determine net filtration pressure in the hepatic capillaries, and to the function of albumins. square
Explain why the underproduction of albumin by a cirrhotic liver contributes to excessive filtration, which leads to ascites. Refer again to the forces that determine net filtration pressure in the hepatic capillaries, and to the function of albumins. square

Solution
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Answer

The underproduction of albumin reduces oncotic pressure, increasing net filtration pressure and leading to ascites. Explanation 1. Understand Albumin's Role Albumin is a protein that maintains oncotic pressure in blood vessels, preventing fluid from leaking into tissues. 2. Identify Forces Affecting Filtration Net filtration pressure is determined by hydrostatic pressure (pushing fluid out) and oncotic pressure (pulling fluid in). **Net Filtration Pressure = Hydrostatic Pressure - Oncotic Pressure**. 3. Analyze Cirrhotic Liver Impact A cirrhotic liver produces less albumin, reducing oncotic pressure. This imbalance increases net filtration pressure, causing more fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity. 4. Connect to Ascites Formation Excessive fluid leakage due to low oncotic pressure leads to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, known as ascites.

Explanation

1. Understand Albumin's Role<br /> Albumin is a protein that maintains oncotic pressure in blood vessels, preventing fluid from leaking into tissues.<br /><br />2. Identify Forces Affecting Filtration<br /> Net filtration pressure is determined by hydrostatic pressure (pushing fluid out) and oncotic pressure (pulling fluid in). **Net Filtration Pressure = Hydrostatic Pressure - Oncotic Pressure**.<br /><br />3. Analyze Cirrhotic Liver Impact<br /> A cirrhotic liver produces less albumin, reducing oncotic pressure. This imbalance increases net filtration pressure, causing more fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity.<br /><br />4. Connect to Ascites Formation<br /> Excessive fluid leakage due to low oncotic pressure leads to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, known as ascites.
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