Histology of the Liver Flashcards
What are the main histological components of the liver?
The main histological components of the liver include hepatocytes, sinusoids, and bile ducts.
Describe the structure and function of hepatocytes.
Hepatocytes are the functional cells of the liver responsible for metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification.
What is the sinusoidal system in the liver?
The sinusoidal system in the liver consists of sinusoids, which are specialized capillaries facilitating nutrient exchange.
Explain the role of Kupffer cells in the liver.
Kupffer cells are liver macrophages responsible for phagocytosis of foreign particles and debris.
What are hepatic stellate cells, and what is their function?
Hepatic stellate cells store vitamin A and play a role in liver fibrosis and regeneration.
Describe the structure and function of liver sinusoids.
Liver sinusoids are specialized blood vessels lined by endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells.
What are bile canaliculi, and what is their role?
Bile canaliculi are small ducts between hepatocytes that collect bile and transport it towards bile ductules.
Explain the composition and function of bile.
Bile is composed of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, phospholipids, and electrolytes, aiding in fat digestion.
What is the space of Disse, and what is its significance?
The space of Disse is the space between hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells, facilitating nutrient exchange.
Describe the histological features of the portal triad.
The portal triad consists of a bile ductule, branch of the hepatic artery, and branch of the portal vein.
What are hepatic lobules, and how are they organized?
Hepatic lobules are functional units of the liver organized around a central vein.
Explain the concept of liver acini.
Liver acini are functional units of the liver lobule involved in metabolic zonation.
Describe the blood supply to the liver lobule.
The blood supply to the liver lobule includes branches of the hepatic artery and portal vein.
What is the central vein, and where is it located?
The central vein is located in the center of the liver lobule and collects blood from hepatic sinusoids.
Explain the significance of the portal triad in liver histology.
The portal triad provides essential structures for liver function and histological identification.
Describe the zones of the liver acinus.
The liver acinus is divided into periportal, midzonal, and pericentral zones based on metabolic activity.
What is the perisinusoidal space, and what is its function?
The perisinusoidal space, or space of Disse, facilitates exchange between hepatocytes and sinusoidal blood.
Explain the role of the liver in carbohydrate metabolism.
The liver plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism by storing and releasing glycogen.
Describe the structure and function of the hepatic portal vein.
The hepatic portal vein delivers nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver.
What is the role of the liver in lipid metabolism?
The liver is involved in lipid metabolism by synthesizing, storing, and mobilizing fats.
Explain the process of detoxification in the liver.
Detoxification in the liver involves metabolizing and eliminating drugs, toxins, and metabolic waste products.
Describe the role of the liver in protein metabolism.
The liver synthesizes plasma proteins, albumin, clotting factors, and complement proteins.
What is the function of the glycogen in the liver?
Glycogen in the liver serves as a readily available energy source during times of need.
Explain the concept of liver regeneration.
Liver regeneration involves the proliferation of hepatocytes to restore liver function after injury.
Describe the lymphatic drainage of the liver.
The lymphatic drainage of the liver involves lymphatic vessels surrounding the portal triads.
What is the role of the liver in immune function?
The liver has immune functions, including filtering blood and removing pathogens and foreign particles.
Explain the clinical significance of liver histology.
Liver histology is clinically significant for diagnosing various liver diseases and conditions.
Describe the process of liver fibrosis.
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of scar tissue in response to liver injury or inflammation.
What are some common liver histopathological findings?
Common liver histopathological findings include steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
