Lesson

Question 1

What are the two main sources of blood supply to the liver?

Answer 1

Portal vein and Hepatic artery

Portal vein is formed from the superior mesenteric and splenic veins, while the Hepatic artery carries oxygenated blood to the liver.

Question 2

What are the main functions of the liver in protein metabolism?

Answer 2

Synthesis of urea, coagulating factors, and glutamine

Deamination of amino acids, synthesis of many plasma proteins, and formation of prothrombin and factors VII, IX, & X.

Question 3

What are the main functions of the liver in lipid metabolism?

Answer 3

Synthesis of phospholipids, cholesterol, TAG, and lipoproteins

Includes degradation of lipoprotein remnants and beta-oxidation of FFAs.

Question 4

What are the metabolic functions of the liver in the fed state?

Answer 4

Conversion of glucose into glycogen, conversion of fatty acids into TAG

Fatty acids are transported to adipose tissue through blood as VLDL.

Question 5

What are the metabolic functions of the liver in the fasting state?

Answer 5

Degradation of glycogen to glucose, conversion of glycerol, amino acids, and lactate to glucose

Also includes oxidation of free fatty acids in the liver to produce acetyl CoA and ketone bodies.

Question 6

What are the main synthetic functions of hepatocytes?

Answer 6

Synthesis of plasma proteins, coagulation factors, lipoproteins, and primary bile acids

Includes albumin, globulins, prothrombin, factors V, VII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, VLDL, HDL, and bile acids.

Question 7

What are the main excretory and detoxifying functions of the liver?

Answer 7

Conversion of ammonia to urea, excretion of cholesterol, metabolism of steroid hormones, and detoxification of drugs

Also includes extraction of toxins by Kupffer cells and processing of bilirubin.

Question 8

What are the three main groups used for the classification of liver function tests (LFTs)?

Answer 8

Group I: Markers of liver dysfunction, Group II: Markers of hepatocellular injury, Group III: Markers of cholestasis

Each group includes specific markers used to assess different aspects of liver function.

Question 9

What are the limitations of liver function tests (LFTs)?

Answer 9

Normal values do not always indicate absence of liver disease, liver has large reserve capacity, asymptomatic individuals may have abnormal results

Diagnosis should be based on clinical examination.

Question 10

What is bilirubin and how is it related to liver function?

Answer 10

Byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, observed in jaundice, indicative of liver disease when levels are high

Normal bilirubin production is 300 mg/day with a liver capacity of 3000 mg/day.

Question 11

What are the types of jaundice and their causes?

Answer 11

Prehepatic, Hepatic, Posthepatic

Each type is associated with different causes such as increased hemolysis, liver diseases, or biliary obstruction.

Question 12

What are the main enzyme tests used in liver function evaluation?

Answer 12

ALT, AST, GGT, ALP

Each enzyme test provides specific information about liver health and function.

Question 13

What are the main markers used to assess albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulins in liver function?

Answer 13

Serum albumin, Serum globulin, IgG, IgA, IgM

Changes in these markers can indicate liver diseases or conditions.

Question 14

What does prolonged Prothrombin Time (PT) indicate in liver function tests?

Answer 14

Significant liver damage

Prolonged PT is a marker of liver dysfunction and damage.

Question 15

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Answer 15

associated with bone and liver disease.

Example: Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver damage.

Question 16

Serum albumin

Answer 16

Decreased in chronic liver diseases.

Additional information: Low serum albumin levels can indicate liver dysfunction.

Question 17

Serum globulin

Answer 17

Elevated in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Example sentence: Elevated serum globulin levels may suggest liver inflammation.

Question 18

IgG

Answer 18

Increased in autoimmune hepatitis.

Example: High IgG levels can be a sign of autoimmune liver disease.

Question 19

IgA

Answer 19

Increased in alcoholic liver disease.

Example: Elevated IgA levels are commonly seen in individuals with alcohol-related liver damage.

Question 20

IgM

Answer 20

Increased in biliary cirrhosis.

Additional information: High IgM levels are often associated with biliary tract disorders.

Question 21

Prothrombin Time

Answer 21

Prolonged PT indicates significant liver damage (over 80% capacity loss).

Example sentence: A prolonged prothrombin time can be a critical indicator of severe liver dysfunction.