Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Gastrointestinal System
J2 · Liver Anatomy and Physiology
J2.ii · Hepatic Blood Flow
Describe the blood supply of the liver and its regulation.
Written examination
SAQ history
Hepatic Blood Flow — Anatomy & Regulation
3 exam appearances
Outline the anatomy and physiology of liver blood flow (60% of marks). Explain the changes to drug metabolism when liver blood flow decreases (40% of marks).
55%
Hepatic Blood Flow — Renal–Hepatic Flow
2 exam appearances
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2025A · Day 2 · VIVA 7
This VIVA will examine hepatobiliary physiology and pharmacology. How is oxygen delivered to the liver?
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2019B · Day 1 · VIVA 7
This viva will test your knowledge of the liver. Describe the blood supply of the liver.
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2017B · Day 1 · VIVA 7
This viva will examine liver physiology and diuretics. Describe the blood supply of the liver.
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2014B · VIVA 8
This Viva tested knowledge on liver physiology and blood flow and then explored understanding of nutrition, including the changes seen with fasting and stress.
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2014A · VIVA 1
This Viva tested knowledge of hepatic physiology and aspects of cerebral physiology. It explored topics such as liver blood flow, the structural arrangement in the liver and moved on to determinates of intracranial pressure.
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2010A · VIVA 6
This Viva will examine liver physiology and diuretics. During this Viva candidates were asked about the functions of the liver, liver drug metabolism, blood supply and the physiological consequences of cirrhosis upon liver blood flow. Candidates were also asked about frusemide, frusemide associated biochemical disturbances
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.