Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Gastrointestinal System
J2 · Liver Anatomy and Physiology
J2.iv · Bile
Describe the physiology of bile including composition, circulation and regulation.
Written examination
SAQ history
Hepatobiliary Physiology — Bile
2 exam appearances
With respect to bile, outline the following:
a) composition (20% of marks),
b) functions (20% of marks),
c) storage (10% of marks),
d) factors regulating delivery into the duodenum (50% of marks).
63%
Hepatobiliary Physiology — Bilirubin
1 exam appearance
Describe the physiology of bilirubin production, metabolism and clearance (70% of marks). Outline the changes in blood and urine of the products of bilirubin metabolism with intra and post hepatobiliary disease (30% of marks).
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Oral examination
VIVA history
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2024A · Day 1 · VIVA 6
This VIVA will examine hepatobiliary physiology. How is bile produced and secreted by the liver?
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2009B · VIVA 4
The initial information given to the candidates was – This is an analysis of urine from a patient on the intensive care unit: Glucose negative Ketones trace pH 6.0 urobilinogen moderate Specific gravity >1.030 You will be asked to comment upon these findings In this viva candidates were asked to explain the physiological basis to the urinanlysis provided above. Further knowledge was sought in reference to ketones and ketone body generation and metabolism, generation of urobilinogen and significance of specific gravity.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.