Question

Stool of a person is whitish grey coloured due to malfunction of which of the following organ? (a) Pancreas (b) Spleen (c) Kidney (d) Liver

Short answer

Whitish grey stool is a result of a malfunction of the liver, which produces bile that is responsible for the normal coloration of stool. Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Liver.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Symptom and Its Implications

Whitish grey stool can indicate a lack of bile in the digestive system. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. A decrease in bile may occur if there is a liver dysfunction which hampers the production or release of bile.

Relate Symptom to Organ Function

Given that the liver is responsible for the production of bile, and that bile is responsible for the coloring of stool, a whitish grey stool suggests a malfunction in the liver.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin but is not directly related to stool color. The spleen is involved in filtering blood and immune responses. The kidneys filter blood to produce urine. Hence, they are not responsible for stool color.

Choose the Correct Option

Based on the information that liver produces bile which is responsible for the normal brown color of the stool, and the lack of bile leads to whitish grey stool, the correct answer is option (d) Liver.

Key concepts

Bile Production

Bile is a crucial digestive fluid that plays a key role in the breakdown and absorption of fats in our diet. It is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, being released into the small intestine as needed during digestion. Chemically, bile contains bile salts, pigments, and cholesterol. Its production is a complex process involving liver cells, which synthesize bile salts from cholesterol.

The presence of bile in the digestive system is indispensable for the digestion and absorption of fats. It also helps in the elimination of certain waste products from the body, including bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. The color of stool is heavily influenced by the bilirubin content in the bile, giving the stool its normal brown color. If the liver malfunctions and bile production is compromised, this can lead to a lackluster stool color, such as the whitish grey color observed in the exercise.

Liver Function

The liver is an essential organ with multifaceted functions critical for maintaining bodily health. It processes nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract, detoxifies harmful substances, produces biochemicals necessary for digestion like bile, and other vital tasks. Regarding the problem at hand, one of the primary functions of the liver is to produce bile, which facilitates fat digestion and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Moreover, the liver plays a significant role in regulating blood clotting through the production of proteins, metabolizing drugs and alcohol, and regulating cholesterol levels. The malfunction of the liver can lead to a cascade of health issues, including the disruption in bile production, which directly influences the stool color. This is why any sign of stool discoloration should be taken seriously as it can be an indicator of underlying liver conditions.

Digestive System

The digestive system is a complex network that includes several organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body. It starts at the mouth, continues through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, ending with the rectum and anus. Each part has a specific role in breaking down food, extracting nutrients, and expelling waste.

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are key accessory organs that produce digestive juices, such as bile and pancreatic enzymes, which are introduced into the small intestine to assist in digestion. The color of stool is partly the product of this digestive process, which is influenced by the bile secreted into the intestine. When the liver fails to produce adequate bile, or if there's an obstruction in the bile ducts, the stool can lose its characteristic brown color and appear pale or clay-colored, indicating a potential health issue within the digestive system.