32. The Liver Flashcards
What are the main functions of the liver?
Detoxification and secretion, and metabolism of proteins and lipids
What are the anatomical regions of the liver?
Diaphragmatic surface and visceral surface
Where does the subphrenic recess lie?
Between the diaphragm and liver
How is the liver attached to the diaphragm?
Falciform ligament (runs through middle of liver), coronary ligament (directly below diaphragm), and left and right triangular ligaments (posterior surface)
What parts of the liver are peritonised?
All but porta hepatic and gallbladder bed
Which lobes form the right lobe of the liver?
Caudate (superior posterior), quadrate inferior posterior), and right lobe
How is the liver parenchyma supplied with oxygen?
Via the hepatic artery (branches from celiac artery)
How is nutrient rich blood received by the liver?
Via the portal vein (from the intestine and GI system)
What is the structure of a hepatic lobule?
Contains plates of hepatocytes with many sinusoids between. One central vein and a portal triad at each corner
What is contained within a portal triad?
Portal venue (from portal vein), portal arteriole, and a bile duct (receives bile from bile canaliculi)
What does the liver have instead of capillaries?
Sinusoids, where hepatic arterial blood mixes with portal venous blood
What are the characteristics of sinusoids in the liver?
Low resistance
Fenestrated with no basement membrane
Contain Kuppfer cells (hepatic macrophages)
What is the function of stellate cells in the liver?
Store retinoids, store GFs, may produce collagen
What is contained in the space of Disse?
Where is it located?
Loose CT, the site of stellate cells
Between hepatocytes and sinusoidal lumen
What are the phases of detoxification by the liver?
Modification
Conjugation
Further modification + excretion