Briefly outline the functions of the liver.
This question was generally well answered with a good response being in some structured format, e.g. a mention, followed by a description for each function of the liver. For questions asking to outline a particular topic, a general overview of the topic is expected and not merely a “dot-point” list of the functions of the liver without actually delving into the way the liver does those functions. In general candidates should avoid making broad-brush statements, which do not get them any marks like “the Liver is the major organ in the body”. Candidates were expected to list, and provide an overview for each, function of the liver.
The candidates were only imitating published authors, who cannot seem to resist an opening line like "the liver is the largest visceral organ in mammals", even as they submit their articles for review by competent specialist peers who have researched the liver for their entire professional life. And like these authors, the triteness of these statements had done nothing to hurt the candidates' chances, as almost 90% of them passed this question. Heartened, future trainees can continue to write "much liver large", "is gland", "so organ", without any risk of serious penalty.
Kuntz, Erwin, and Hans-Dieter Kuntz. "Biochemistry and functions of the liver." Hepatology Textbook and Atlas: History· Morphology Biochemistry· Diagnostics Clinic· Therapy (2008): 35-76.
Ozougwu, Jevas C. "Physiology of the liver." International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences 4.8 (2017): 13-24.