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Which of the following describes a function of the liver related to bilirubin?

  1. Secretion and conjugation

  2. Storage of glucose

  3. Production of surfactant

  4. Reduction of friction

The correct answer is: Secretion and conjugation

The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. One key function of the liver in this context is the conjugation of bilirubin, which involves converting it from its unconjugated (indirect) form into its conjugated (direct) form. This conjugation process makes bilirubin water-soluble, enabling it to be excreted in bile and eliminated from the body through the intestines. Additionally, the liver is responsible for the secretion of conjugated bilirubin into bile ducts, leading to its eventual release into the digestive tract. This function is vital for maintaining bilirubin levels within a normal range and preventing conditions such as jaundice, which can arise from bilirubin accumulation. The other choices reflect different functions of the liver but do not relate specifically to its role in bilirubin metabolism. Therefore, the option that encompasses both the secretion of conjugated bilirubin and the conjugation process itself accurately describes a key function of the liver related to bilirubin.