Final answer:
The accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the body causes jaundice, which visually manifests as a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to increased bilirubin levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The build-up of unconjugated bilirubin in the body will cause a visual clinical presentation known as jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes.
Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, occurs when there is an accumulation of hemoglobin degradation products, primarily bilirubin, which exceeds the liver's capacity to excrete it.
This condition becomes apparent when the concentration of bilirubin in the blood rises above the normal level and begins to diffuse into peripheral tissues, giving them a distinctive yellow color. Excessive hemolysis or liver dysfunction can lead to increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin, resulting in jaundice.
This excess bilirubin can also manifest in other bodily fluids and tissues, such as the sclera of the eyes. Effective diagnosis and management of jaundice require understanding the underlying causes, which can range from pre-hepatic conditions, such as excessive hemolysis, to hepatic and post-hepatic issues, including liver damage and bile duct obstruction.