Liver Flashcards
Where is the liver located
RUQ
Where does the liver’s blood supply come from
hepatic artery and portal vein
Hepatocytes
functional cells of the liver that are capable of regeneration and responsible for excreting metabolic substances
Path of bile secretion
synthesized in liver –> secreted into hepatic duct –> common bile duct –> small intestine
Role of the liver (8)
digestion, bilirubin metabolism, fat and protein metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, hematologic role, endocrine role, detoxification
Digestion
responsible for bile secretion to help with fat digestion in the small intestine
What is bile formed by
hepatocytes
Where is bile stored
the gallbladder
When and where is bile released
in response to fats intake, small intestine
How is bilirubin derieved
from the breakdown of aged RBCs
Unconjugated bilirubin
not water soluable
Conjugated bilirubin
water soluable
Why does bilirubin need to be conjugated
bilirubin has to be water soluble in order to be excreted in the bile
Bilirubin metabolism path
Unconjugated in the bloodstream –> conjugation process in the liver –> conjugated in the small intestine
Fat metabolism pathway
the liver excretes bile into the intestine to break down fats into triglycerides –> triglycerides are absorbed into the portal vein –> enter the liver to be broken down –> broken down into fatty acids, cholesterol, and glycerol
Protein synthesis
the liver produces albumin which exerts oncotic pressure in the bloodstream
Protein breakdown
the liver removes nitrogen from proteins –> converts to ammonia –> ammonia is absorbed into the bloodstream –> excreted by the kidneys
Why is carbohydrate metabolism important
used to make sure the body has energy
Glycogenesis
liver stores glucose as glycogen
Glyconeogenesis
the liver converts amino acids and glycerol into glucose
Glycogenolysis
catecholamines stimulate glycogen breakdown
Hematologic role
creates fibrinogen and coagulation factors for clotting
Why is the hematologic role important
there is a large risk for bleeding without
How is prothrombin produced
by the liver with the help of vitamin K and bile
What vitamin is essential for clotting
vitamin K
Endocrine role
regulates fat and protein metabolism
Glucagon
produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas, acts in the liver
Actions of glucagon
stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, stimulates lipolysis
Lipolysis
conversion of free fatty acids to ketones in the liver
Detoxification pathway
absorption into the GI system –> passes into the portal vein –> biotransformation –> reaches systemic circulation –> excreted into the bile and through the GI tract
Biotransformation
the portal vein brings all absorbed substances through the liver where detoxification occurs
Why is detoxification important
reduces the availability/concentration of substances, hormones, and toxic chemicals in the bloodstream
