GI Physiology: Liver Flashcards
Describe the blood supply to the liver.
75% is from the hepatic portal vein, 25% is from the hepatic artery.
Do all absorbed substances pass through the liver? How many passes does it take for the liver to clear stuff out?
Yeah all absorbed substances go through the liver. It can take up 90% of stuff out in a single pass.
The liver forms _____% of the body’s lymph.
50%
Fluid and proteins that flow freely into the space of Disse end up forming ______.
lymph
Increased sinusoidal pressure results in increased lymph production by the liver, which can lead to _________.
ascites
Name the things that the liver stores.
- Glucose (glycogen).
- Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K,), folate, B12.
- Minerals such as copper and iron.
What three major metabolic processes regarding carbohydrate metabolism does the liver participate in?
Glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis
Which macromolecule does the liver prefer to use for gluconeogenesis?
Protein
What is an “essential” amino acid?
One of the AAs that the liver can’t make.
Where are plasma proteins made? Which one is the most abundant?
Liver; albumin
Does the liver make clotting factors?
yeah
Where are lipoproteins made? Where are they cleared?
The liver! The liver!
Does the liver make bile?
Yeah
What does the gallbladder do?
Nothing in 20% of people. In others it stores and concentrates bile by absorbing ions (water follows).
What is the liver’s importance in protein breakdown products?
It is the only place that can turn ammonia into urea!
