GI 21 Flashcards
How much can the liver regrow from its original size?
As much as 20%
What can repeated damage to liver do it?
Cause it to become scarred and fibrotic
What are the stages of liver damage?
- Fatty liver
- Liver fibrosis
- Cirrhosis
Aside from its role in digestion and absorption, what does bile facilitate?
The excretion of lipid-soluble waste products into the feces
Where is bile secreted in the liver lobule?
It is secreted by the hepatocyte into the bile canaliculi which drain into bile ducts
Is bile excreted after being in the duodenum?
No it is reabsorbed and then excreted again
What is Enterohepatic circulation?
The idea that bile is secreted into the duodenum and reabsorbed
Why does Bile have a yellow-green color?
Due to the presence of bile pigments bilirubin and biliverdin
What are Bilirubin and Biliverdin the products of?
Hemoglobin catabolism
What does Heme Oxygenase do?
Causes the heme to unfold and become biliverdin
What does Biliverdin reductase do?
Generates bilirubin
What is Bilirubin bound to in the circulation?
Albumin
What can happen to the bilirubin-albumin complex?
It can be taken up by hepatocytes and metabolized into bilirubin glucuronide
What is the difference between bilirubin glucuronide and bilirubin?
bilirubin glucuronide is more water soluble so it can be transported into the bile canaliculi for secretion
What happens when free or conjugated bilirubin accumulates in the blood?
It can be deposited in the tissues of the body, and take on a yellow colour
