What is one cause of pre-hepatic hemolytic jaundice?

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Study for the UCF Human Physiology Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Pre-hepatic hemolytic jaundice occurs due to an increased breakdown of red blood cells before the liver processes the bilirubin produced from their breakdown. One of the primary causes of this condition is blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia. In these disorders, the lifespan of red blood cells is significantly shortened, leading to an excess of unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream. The liver is unable to process this excess bilirubin quickly enough, resulting in jaundice.

When considering the other options, increased liver fibrosis relates more to hepatic or post-hepatic jaundice, where the liver's ability to process bilirubin is compromised due to scarring. Obstruction of bile ducts leads to post-hepatic jaundice by preventing the proper excretion of conjugated bilirubin, and viral infections of the liver can cause damage to liver cells, impacting bilirubin processing, but are primarily linked to hepatic jaundice rather than pre-hepatic. Therefore, blood disorders are clearly aligned with the mechanism behind pre-hepatic hemolytic jaundice, highlighting why this is the correct answer.