Lec 18 Liver Flashcards
What is the function of hepatocytes?
key metabolic cell in liver
most abundant cell
What is function of kupffer cells?
liver-specific macrophages
What is the function of hepatic stellate cells in health vs injured liver?
in healthy liver: stores vitamin A
becomes activated into myofibroblast-like cell in liver injury = main source of scar in hepatic fibrosis
What is unique about the structure of sinusoidal endothelial cells?
they are fenestrated = have pores
What does high AST/ALT suggest?
injury to hepatocytes
What are 4 complications of cirrhosis?
- hepatic encephalopathy
- ascites
- portal hypertension
- hepatorenal syndrome
What does high alkaline phosphatase suggest?
injury to bile ducts
What are 6 signs of chronic liver disease?
- scleral icterus
- spider angioma
- glossitis
- palmar erythema
- digital clubbing
- gynecomastia
What is the most common cause of spider angiomata?
pregnancy