Gastrointestinal Tract - Liver Flashcards
What are the cells of the liver called?
Hepatocytes
What do groups of hepatocytes form in the liver?
Lobules
List the functions of the liver.
6
Synthesis of plasma proteins
Synthesis of clotting factors
Synthesis of the inactive angiotensinogen
Phagocytosis of rbcs
Breakdown of hormones and immunoglobulins
Inactivation of drugs
What is angiotensinogen?
A chemical responsible for control of long term blood pressure
How long is the lifespan of red blood cells?
12 weeks
What hormones are broken down by the liver?
2
Insulin
Epinephrine
What antibody is broken down by the liver?
IgA
What type of drugs are inactivated by the liver?
Lipid-soluble drugs
List the digestive and metabolic functions.
7
Synthesis and secretion of bile
Storage of glycogen and lipid reserves
Maintaining normal blood glucose, amino acid and fatty acid concentrations within blood
Synthesis and release of cholesterol
Inactivation of toxins
Storage of iron
Storage of fat soluble vitamins
What is stored in the liver?
4
Iron
Fat soluble vitamins
Glycogen
Lipid reserves
What is synthesised by the liver?
2
Bile
Cholesterol (HDL and LDL)
How many hepatocytes is needed to carry out all the functions of the liver?
Just one hepatocyte
Where is the liver located?
4
The right upper quadrant
Inferior to diaphragm
Right of stomach
Rests on top of gall bladder
What is the liver wrapped by?
Visceral peritoneum
What is the liver encased by?
Connective tissue
