Problem 142 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Jaundice is a disorder of (a) Excretory system (b) Skin and eyes (c) Digestive system (d) Circulatory system

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (c) Digestive system.

Step 1: Identify the condition

Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This is due to a build-up of bile pigment called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that remains in the bloodstream after iron is removed from the blood.

Step 2: Recognize the systems involved

Though many systems may be affected by Jaundice, the main system disturbed is the digestive system. The liver which is a part of the digestive system produces bilirubin. When the liver is not functioning correctly, it can result in the build-up of bilirubin leading to jaundice.

Step 3: Choose the correct option

Therefore, based on this understanding, the correct choice is (c) Digestive system, as it is the main system related to the production and regulation of bilirubin, which is disrupted in Jaundice.

Key Concepts

Jaundice

Jaundice is a health condition that is easy to notice because it leads to the yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. This discoloration happens when there is an excess of a substance called bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that forms when old or damaged red blood cells are broken down. Normally, the liver helps to cleanse the blood by processing bilirubin and preparing it for safe elimination from the body. However, when something interferes with this process, bilirubin levels rise, resulting in jaundice. This condition is a sign that something isn't working correctly in the body, often relating to the liver and the digestive system.

If the liver is struggling or the bile ducts are blocked, for example, it can't properly process bilirubin. This highlights why jaundice is considered a disorder primarily affecting the digestive system.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin plays a significant role in the process of jaundice. It is a yellow compound that emerges during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. The body continuously recycles these cells, and as they break down, hemoglobin (the part of the cell that carries oxygen) is converted into bilirubin. In the liver, bilirubin gets processed and eventually becomes a part of bile, a fluid aiding in digestion.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the role of bilirubin in the body:

• Bilirubin starts as a breakdown product of hemoglobin.
• The liver processes bilirubin, making it water-soluble.
• The bilirubin travels into the bile ducts and heads to the intestines, helping digest fats.
• Finally, bilirubin leaves the body through stool, giving it color.

Whenever this process gets disrupted, whether due to liver issues or blockages, bilirubin accumulates and causes jaundice.

Liver Function

The liver is a powerhouse organ that performs many vital functions necessary for survival, including handling bilirubin. Its role in processing this pigment is essential not only for clearing the blood but also for supporting digestion and waste elimination. A healthy liver efficiently processes old blood cells, converts bilirubin, and channels it into the digestive tract.

The crucial functions of the liver extend beyond just bilirubin processing:

• Detoxifying harmful substances from the blood.
• Producing important proteins such as albumin and blood clotting factors.
• Metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy.
• Storing vitamins and minerals to be used when needed.

When the liver's function falters, issues like jaundice arise because the liver fails to efficiently separate and remove bilirubin from the body. This signifies a broader compromise in the liver’s ability to maintain overall health and metabolic balance.