Histology of the Liver

Question 1

What are the main histological components of the liver?

Answer 1

The main histological components of the liver include hepatocytes, sinusoids, and bile ducts.

Question 2

Describe the structure and function of hepatocytes.

Answer 2

Hepatocytes are the functional cells of the liver responsible for metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification.

Question 3

What is the sinusoidal system in the liver?

Answer 3

The sinusoidal system in the liver consists of sinusoids, which are specialized capillaries facilitating nutrient exchange.

Question 4

Explain the role of Kupffer cells in the liver.

Answer 4

Kupffer cells are liver macrophages responsible for phagocytosis of foreign particles and debris.

Question 5

What are hepatic stellate cells, and what is their function?

Answer 5

Hepatic stellate cells store vitamin A and play a role in liver fibrosis and regeneration.

Question 6

Describe the structure and function of liver sinusoids.

Answer 6

Liver sinusoids are specialized blood vessels lined by endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells.

Question 7

What are bile canaliculi, and what is their role?

Answer 7

Bile canaliculi are small ducts between hepatocytes that collect bile and transport it towards bile ductules.

Question 8

Explain the composition and function of bile.

Answer 8

Bile is composed of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, phospholipids, and electrolytes, aiding in fat digestion.

Question 9

What is the space of Disse, and what is its significance?

Answer 9

The space of Disse is the space between hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells, facilitating nutrient exchange.

Question 10

Describe the histological features of the portal triad.

Answer 10

The portal triad consists of a bile ductule, branch of the hepatic artery, and branch of the portal vein.

Question 11

What are hepatic lobules, and how are they organized?

Answer 11

Hepatic lobules are functional units of the liver organized around a central vein.

Question 12

Explain the concept of liver acini.

Answer 12

Liver acini are functional units of the liver lobule involved in metabolic zonation.

Question 13

Describe the blood supply to the liver lobule.

Answer 13

The blood supply to the liver lobule includes branches of the hepatic artery and portal vein.

Question 14

What is the central vein, and where is it located?

Answer 14

The central vein is located in the center of the liver lobule and collects blood from hepatic sinusoids.

Question 15

Explain the significance of the portal triad in liver histology.

Answer 15

The portal triad provides essential structures for liver function and histological identification.

Question 16

Describe the zones of the liver acinus.

Answer 16

The liver acinus is divided into periportal, midzonal, and pericentral zones based on metabolic activity.

Question 17

What is the perisinusoidal space, and what is its function?

Answer 17

The perisinusoidal space, or space of Disse, facilitates exchange between hepatocytes and sinusoidal blood.

Question 18

Explain the role of the liver in carbohydrate metabolism.

Answer 18

The liver plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism by storing and releasing glycogen.

Question 19

Describe the structure and function of the hepatic portal vein.

Answer 19

The hepatic portal vein delivers nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Question 20

What is the role of the liver in lipid metabolism?

Answer 20

The liver is involved in lipid metabolism by synthesizing, storing, and mobilizing fats.

Question 21

Explain the process of detoxification in the liver.

Answer 21

Detoxification in the liver involves metabolizing and eliminating drugs, toxins, and metabolic waste products.

Question 22

Describe the role of the liver in protein metabolism.

Answer 22

The liver synthesizes plasma proteins, albumin, clotting factors, and complement proteins.

Question 23

What is the function of the glycogen in the liver?

Answer 23

Glycogen in the liver serves as a readily available energy source during times of need.

Question 24

Explain the concept of liver regeneration.

Answer 24

Liver regeneration involves the proliferation of hepatocytes to restore liver function after injury.

Question 25

Describe the lymphatic drainage of the liver.

Answer 25

The lymphatic drainage of the liver involves lymphatic vessels surrounding the portal triads.

Question 26

What is the role of the liver in immune function?

Answer 26

The liver has immune functions, including filtering blood and removing pathogens and foreign particles.

Question 27

Explain the clinical significance of liver histology.

Answer 27

Liver histology is clinically significant for diagnosing various liver diseases and conditions.

Question 28

Describe the process of liver fibrosis.

Answer 28

Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of scar tissue in response to liver injury or inflammation.

Question 29

What are some common liver histopathological findings?

Answer 29

Common liver histopathological findings include steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.