QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Nucleating factors such as mucin promote the crystallisation of cholesterol, which increases the risk of stones.
10024434
e
Low levels of nucleation
QuestionChoice
Bacteria help in the formation of pigment stones by releasing lytic enzymes which can hydrolyse lecithin into fatty acids. This can bind to calcium to form brown mixed stones.
10024430
a
Chronic infection
QuestionChoice
Low levels of bile acids contribute to gallstone formation, for example, due to an ileal resection or malabsorptive conditions. A lower concentration of bile compared to cholesterol causes saturation of the bile and the formation of stones.
10024431
b
Increased amount of bile acids
QuestionChoice
Gallbladder stasis promotes gallstone formation as impaired emptying results in a build-up of bile and an increased predisposition for stone formation. Gallbladder stasis may occur in pregnancy and diabetes.
10024433
d
Gallbladder hypermotility
QuestionChoice
High cholesterol levels exceed the solubilising capacity of bile, causing the precipitation of bile into stones.
10024432
c
Low cholesterol
Concept
Chapter
2693
4571
Formation of bile acids and bile salts
Topic
180
Biochemistry
17284
A 40-year-old female presents to A&E with right upper quadrant pain, fever and vomiting. An ultrasound of the abdomen reveals an impacted stone in the neck of the gallbladder.

Which of the following is a factor involved in gallstone formation?
a