Question

If bilirubin is high in a human body, which organ is most affected?

• A. Pancreas
• B. Liver
• C. Kidney
• D. Large Intestine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Bilirubin is a yellow-colored pigment that is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin, combines it with bile, and helps in its excretion through the intestines. When bilirubin levels in the blood become abnormally high, the organ most affected is the liver.

Step 1 — Understanding bilirubin metabolism:
• Red blood cells live for about 120 days and are then broken down.
• Hemoglobin from these cells is split into heme and globin; heme is further broken down into biliverdin and then bilirubin.
• This bilirubin is “unconjugated” and is transported to the liver bound to albumin.
• In the liver, bilirubin is converted into “conjugated bilirubin” (water-soluble) and secreted into bile.

Step 2 — Role of the liver:
The liver is responsible for:
• Uptake of unconjugated bilirubin from the blood.
• Conjugation of bilirubin to make it water-soluble.
• Excretion of conjugated bilirubin into bile ducts for elimination.
If the liver fails in any of these processes, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream.

Step 3 — Consequences of high bilirubin:
• High bilirubin causes a condition called jaundice, marked by yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
• Diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver damage from alcohol or drugs, or bile duct obstruction can all result in elevated bilirubin.
• Thus, the liver is the organ most directly affected when bilirubin levels rise.

Step 4 — Secondary effects:
While bilirubin buildup also shows signs in the eyes and skin, these are just symptoms. The root cause lies in liver dysfunction, making the liver the central organ of concern.

Final Answer:
If bilirubin is high in a human body, the most affected organ is the Liver. This corresponds to Option (B).