Liver Flashcards
what is the function of the gallbladder?
it stores and concentrates bile made in the liver, releasing it into the small intestine
what is the function of bile?
it is used in digestion to emulsify fats so they are easier to digest and absorb
which cells produce bile?
hepatocytes
what is the function of Kupffer cells (specialised macrophages)?
they break down haemoglobin into bilirubin
what is glycogenesis?
the process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage
what is the function of the liver?
it excretes waste products through bile production and secretion into the small intestine
what are hepatocytes responsible for?
detoxification of toxins, protein synthesis, vitamin and mineral storage, bile production
what is deamination?
the process by which an amino group is removed from an amino acid to form ammonia and a keto acid
how is urea formed?
via the urea cycle, where ammonia and CO2 are converted into urea
why is the liver so important?
eliminates metabolic waste by filtering and detoxifying harmful substances from the blood and excreting them through bile or urine
how is the metabolism of carbohydrates involved?
converting glucose into glycogen for storage and releasing glucose into the bloodstream when needed
what are large, endothelium lined spaces called?
sinusoids
how are the lobules arranged?
in irregular, branching interconnected plates around a central vein
which blood vessels enter and exit the liver?
enter: hepatic artery and portal vein
exit: hepatic vein
what is the definition of digestion?
the removal of waste from metabolic processes
what happens when CO2 levels increase?
blood pH decreases, making it more acidic. acidosis (hard to breathe, confusion)
how does the liver regulate blood pH?
by producing and releasing bicarbonate ions, which help neutralise excess acids in the blood
where is bile stored?
in the gallbladder
which vitamins and minerals are stored in the liver?
A D E K and B12, iron and copper minerals
how does HCO3- affect blood pH?
it diffuses out red blood cells into plasma. H+ increases acidity so more oxygen is released
what are the primary components of bile?
salts, bilirubin, cholesterol, water
what is the Ornithine cycle?
to convert toxic ammonia into urea so it can be safely excreted
why must amino acid buildup be prevented?
it is toxic so must be excreted via urea in urine. they can increase the pH
what are keto acids used for?
in the Krebs cycle for respiration or turned into lipids
where are red blood cells synthesised?
in the foetus, bile, plasma proteins and cholesterol
