Blood Colloid Osmotic Pressure (BCOP) Decreases in Starving Children Because

Question

Blood colloid osmotic pressure (BCOP) decreases in starving children because
A) starvation increases blood pressure which, in turn, decreases BCOP.
B) starvation increases the permeability of capillaries causing a decrease in BCOP.
C) starvation prevents the liver from producing enough protein to maintain BCOP.
D) malnourished children do not exercise, which results in a decrease in BCOP.
E) This statement is false; BCOP actually increases in starving children.

Accepted Answer

Blood colloid osmotic pressure (BCOP) is largely maintained by the presence of albumin, a protein produced by the liver. Starvation can cause a decrease in protein synthesis, including albumin, leading to a decrease in BCOP.