Liver 1 Flashcards
how does blood drain from the gut?
- blood drains from the gut into the portal venous system (portal vein) towards the liver
(Portal Vein- Hepatic vein- Vena Cava)
What is the significance of the blood flowing from the gut into the liver through the portal venous system?
Nutrient-rich blood from the gut flows into the liver, allowing hepatocytes to filter and metabolize drugs and nutrients, including vitamins, before releasing them into the systemic circulation.
what happens if liver becomes inflamed or fibroused ?
it can impede blood flow through it thru portal vein and can lead to portal hypertension (raised pressure in the portal venal system)
what happens if you have liver disease ,portal hypertension and oesophageal varices?
can cause severe bleeding
where does the liver sit?
right side but passes thru midline
directly underneath diaphragm
what is special about the liver ?
regenerates
describe the blood supply system
- portal venous system - blood from gut drains into liver
- hepatic artery - brings arterial blood in as its an active metabolic organ
- hepatic duct - draining bile out of liver into gull bladder and then into small intestines
What is the primary functional unit of the liver?
The liver’s primary functional unit is the hepatic lobule.
What is the structural component of the liver that plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism of nutrients and drugs?
hepatocytes
In addition to hepatocytes, what other cell type is present in the liver and is involved in immune responses and clearance of pathogens?
Kupffer cells, which are macrophages, are present in the liver and are involved in immune responses and clearance of pathogens.
What is the functional significance of the hepatic sinusoids in the liver lobule?
The hepatic sinusoids facilitate the exchange of substances between blood and hepatocytes, playing a crucial role in the liver’s metabolic and detoxification functions.
What is the primary function of bile salts produced by the liver?
allow the emulsification of fats in the diet, increasing the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Where are bile salts stored, and when are they released?
Bile salts are stored in the gall bladder and are released in response to food (fatty meal) in the gastrointestinal tract.
What are the key functions of the liver related to detoxification and metabolism?
The liver filters and metabolizes microbes and toxins, as well as plays a crucial role in the metabolism of nutrients and drugs.
- Describe the exocrine functions of the liver.
The exocrine functions of the liver include the excretion of bilirubin (a product of hemoglobin breakdown), bile salts (aiding in fat emulsification and absorption), and cholesterol (which is important for hormone and vitamin D synthesis).
What are some of the synthesis functions of the liver?
synthesis of clotting factors, antibodies, and albumin( stops blood from leaking out of tissues - if this does happen one can get oedema and lose BP)