Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Gastrointestinal System
J2 · Liver Anatomy and Physiology
J2.iii · Liver Functions
Describe the functions of the liver.
Written examination
SAQ history
Analgesic Pharmacology — Paracetamol Overdose
1 exam appearance
List the functions of the liver (60% marks). Discuss the metabolism of paracetamol in toxicity and the pharmacologic management of this overdose (40% marks).
20%
Liver — Nutrient Metabolism
2 exam appearances
Outline the role of the liver in the metabolism of fat (⅓ marks), carbohydrate (⅓ marks) and proteins (⅓ marks)
54%
Outline the role of the liver in the metabolism of fat (1/3 of marks), carbohydrate (1/3 of marks) and proteins (1/3 of marks)
50%
Liver — Overview
5 exam appearances
Explain the role of the liver with respect to the following: (a) metabolic role in nutrition (30% of marks) (b) other metabolic and excretory functions (30% of marks) (c) storage and secretory functions (25% of marks) (d) immune functions (15% of marks)
48%
Liver — Drug Pharmacokinetics
1 exam appearance
Liver — Hepatic Clearance
1 exam appearance
Define clearance and hepatic extraction ratio (30% of marks). Describe the role of the liver in drug clearance with examples (70% of marks).
70%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2020B · Day 3 · VIVA 8
This viva will explore your knowledge of liver physiology and biliary metabolism. What are the functions of the liver?
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2019A · Day 1 · VIVA 5
This viva is about the physiology and function of the liver. Using the schematic below please outline the functional anatomy of the liver. (Image removed from report.)
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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
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2007B · VIVA 4
Describe the physiology of bilirubin production and clearance.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.