When people have liver failure they may get swollen legs due to oedema. Explain the processes behind this.

The liver is responsible for making proteins found in the blood which help to maintain it's "oncotic pressure", the 'pull' factor that holds water inside the blood vessels. These proteins cannot pass through the blood vessels into the tissues, so they hold water within the blood. When the liver fails, these proteins are not produced and thus the 'oncotic pressure' of the blood falls; without this, water leaks out of the blood vessels through osmosis, as the tissues now have a higher oncotic pressure. Leakage of water into the tissues causes them to swell up, producing the oedema.

JI
Answered by Joy I. Human Biology tutor

2527 Views

See similar Human Biology A Level tutors

Related Human Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the main events that occur during human fertilization.


What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes


Explain how the HPV vaccine produces long-term immunity in individuals.


What makes the structure of Haemoglobin good for the transport of oxygen to tissues? (3 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences