Study liver anatomy and function with our medical students test. Engage with detailed multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your test!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about indirect bilirubin is true?

Indirect bilirubin is the unconjugated form, formed from heme breakdown, and it travels in the blood bound to albumin. It is not water-soluble, so it cannot be excreted in urine until it is taken up by the liver and conjugated to form direct (conjugated) bilirubin, which is water-soluble and excreted into bile. This makes the statement that indirect bilirubin is unconjugated and protein-bound the correct description. The other ideas misstate its solubility, binding, or excretion pattern.

Indirect bilirubin is the unconjugated form, formed from heme breakdown, and it travels in the blood bound to albumin. It is not water-soluble, so it cannot be excreted in urine until it is taken up by the liver and conjugated to form direct (conjugated) bilirubin, which is water-soluble and excreted into bile. This makes the statement that indirect bilirubin is unconjugated and protein-bound the correct description. The other ideas misstate its solubility, binding, or excretion pattern.