Stercobilinogen and Bilirubin: Biology Quiz and Flashcards

Which of the following is true about bilirubin?

What happens to bilirubin when it enters the liver cells?

Which of the following is the main functional constituent of bile?

What are serum bile acid concentrations used as indicators for?

What happens to bilirubin conjugates in the terminal ileum and colon?

What are the compounds formed when bilirubin conjugates are attacked by bacteria in the terminal ileum and colon called?

Where are most of the stercobilinogen compounds excreted?

What happens to bilirubin when the biliary tract becomes blocked?

What is the term used to describe a patient with elevated serum bilirubin concentrations?

What is the normal daily production of bilirubin in an adult?

Overview of Bilirubin and its Metabolism

Bilirubin is derived from haemoglobin and is produced in the body at a rate of about 450 µmol per day.
It is insoluble in water and is transported in the blood bound to albumin.
Bilirubin is taken up by liver cells and conjugated to form mono- and diglucuronides, which are more soluble in water.
The conjugated bilirubin is excreted into the bile, with bilirubin monoglucuronide accounting for 25% and diglucuronide accounting for 75% of the total.
Bile salts, involved in fat digestion and absorption, are the main functional constituents of bile.
Serum bile acid concentrations are a more sensitive indicator of hepatic transport function than total bilirubin measurements.
In the terminal ileum and colon, bilirubin conjugates are attacked by bacteria to form stercobilinogen, which is mostly excreted in feces.
Some stercobilinogen is reabsorbed and re-excreted through bile in a process called enterohepatic circulation.
Small amounts of stercobilinogen, known as urobilinogen, can be found in urine.
When the biliary tract is blocked, bilirubin is not excreted, leading to elevated serum concentrations and jaundice.
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Further details about jaundice and its effects on patients are provided in the text.

Test your knowledge on bilirubin, a product derived from haemoglobin that is insoluble in water. Learn about its production, transport, and conjugation in the liver with this quiz.