Question

Alcoholism can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is the replacement of hepatocytes, liver cells with fibrous scar tissue which causes a subsequent decline in liver function. cirrhosis can lead to the development of portal hypertension. Given this information explain why someone dying from alcoholism may suffer the unfortunate condition of bleeding at the esophagus and the stomach causing them to vomit blood. ( A small hint the veins draining the lower portion of the stomach merge with the gastric veins . Another hint refer to chapter 19

Answer 1

The liver detoxifies any harmful or undesired chemical from the blood. When cirrhosis occurs, there is formation of scar tissue in the liver (scaling of the liver) due to which it can no more detoxify the blood from wastes. This blood accumulates and creates a pressure. The blood thus starts flowing through the veins draining the lower portion of the stomach forming enlarged varicose veins. This enlarged vein can tear off and cause internal bleeding in the stomach and this blood comes out through the mouth  causing patient to vomit blood. This can be life threatening.