15. 5 points Alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, Cirrhosis is the rep

Question

15. 5 points Alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, Cirrhosis is the replacement of hepatocytes, liver cells, with fibrous scar tissue which causes a subsequent decline in liver function. Cirrhosis can also lead to the development of portal hypertension. Given this information explain why someone dying from alcoholism may suffer the unfortunate condition of bleeding at the esophagus and the stomach- causing them to vomit blood. (A small hint- the veins draining the lower portion of the stomach merge with the gastric veins. Another hint-refer to Chapter 19).

Explanation / Answer

Portal hypertension is increased blood pressure in hepatic portal vein system. Veins from intestine, stomach, spleen and pancrease combined into the portal vein. The portal vein branches into smaller veins and travels through the liver. In the condition of liver cirrhosis, these smaller veins in the liver are blocked with fibrous scar tissue resulting in improper blood flow through the hepatic portal vein system and thus, high pressure develops in the portal vein system. This increased pressure in the portal vein causes the development of large, swollen veins (varices) within the esophagus, stomach, rectum, or within umbilical area . These varices in the esophagous can rupture and may result into blood vomiting.

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