Disorders of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Flashcards
Where is the liver located in the body?
Mainly on the right side of the trunk, under the ribs.
What structure attaches the liver to the diaphragm?
Ligaments.
What are the major functions of the liver?
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Lipid metabolism
- Protein metabolism
- Storage (glycogen, vitamins A, D, B12, Fe)
- Blood filtering
- Detoxification
- Secretion of bile and production of albumin (blood plasma protein)
What is the function of the hepatic arteries?
Deliver oxygen-rich blood to the liver parenchyma (from the celiac trunk).
What is the function of the hepatic vein?
Returns deoxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava.
What is the function of the portal vein?
Carries nutrient-rich, oxygen-poor blood from the GI tract to the liver.
What is enterohepatic circulation?
Bile salts from the liver travel via the bile duct into the small intestine and then return to the liver via the portal vein.
What is the function of the gallbladder?
Stores bile, which aids in fat absorption in the small intestine.
What is bile composed of?
Bile pigment (bilirubin).
What systems can liver diseases affect?
- Hepatocytes: Impair metabolic and synthetic functions, causing disorders in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
- Biliary drainage system: Obstruct bile flow, interfering with bile salt and bilirubin elimination, leading to cholestatic liver damage.
What are the common signs of liver disease?
- Ascites
- Jaundice (Icterus)
- Spider angioma
- Dupuytren contracture
- Muscle wasting
- Palmar erythema
- Testicular atrophy
- Splenomegaly
What is jaundice (icterus)?
A symptom (not a disease) characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera of the eyes, associated with liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic conditions.
How does liver disease impact massage therapy considerations?
Liver conditions negatively impact the cardiovascular system, making the heart work harder. Adjust massage as needed.
When is massage contraindicated for liver disease?
If the patient has fever or jaundice.
What modifications should be made if a patient with liver disease is cleared for massage?
- Be cautious with the abdomen.
- Modify positioning (avoid prone if abdominal tenderness or swelling is present).
- Use lighter pressure.
- Consider a shorter treatment to prevent patient fatigue.
Why is the liver susceptible to drug-induced damage?
It is the major organ for drug metabolism and detoxification, making it vulnerable to damage from pharmaceuticals and environmental toxins.
What types of drugs can cause liver damage?
Prescription medications:
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants (amitriptyline)
• Anti-epileptics (phenytoin, valproate)
• Anesthetic agents (halothane)
• Lipid-lowering medications
• Immunosuppressive agents
• Acetaminophen
Recreational drugs:
• Ecstasy/MDMA
• Cocaine
Herbal remedies:
• Ginseng
• Pennyroyal oil
• Chaparral
Other toxins:
• Amanita phalloides (“Death Cap” mushroom)
What types of liver damage can drugs/chemicals cause?
- Hepatocyte injury and death
- Cholestatic liver damage (injury to the biliary drainage system)
Where is the liver located?
Mainly on the right side of the trunk, under the ribs, and attached by ligaments to the diaphragm.
What are the major functions of the liver?
• Carbohydrate metabolism
• Lipid metabolism
• Protein metabolism
• Storage (glycogen, vitamins A, D, B12, Fe)
• Blood filtering
• Detoxification
• Secretion of bile
• Production of albumin (blood plasma protein)
What are the major blood supplies to the liver?
• Hepatic arteries: Deliver O₂-rich blood to the liver parenchyma.
• Hepatic vein: Returns deoxygenated blood from the liver to the inferior vena cava.
• Portal vein: Carries nutrient-rich, oxygen-poor blood from the GI tract to the liver.
What is the enterohepatic circulation of bile salts?
Bile salts from the liver travel via the bile duct into the small intestine and then return to the liver via the portal vein.
What is the function of the gallbladder?
It stores bile, which aids in fat absorption in the small intestine.