Liver Flashcards
What is the liver involved in
Metabolism Protein synthesis Inactivation of hormones and drugs Excretion of waste Production of bile Production of clotting factors
What are liver cells called and what do they do
Hepatocytes and they produce bile
What does bile contain
Lipid emulsifiers which help break down fat waste products including bile pigments
Where is bile stored
The gall bladder
What effect does CCK have on the gall bladder
Causes it to release more bile
What does the hepatic portal vein do
Drains blood from GI tract and other unpaired abdominal organs and takes them to the liver for processing
What are the two sources of liver blood supply
Hepatic artery
Hepatic portal vein
What diseases affect the liver
Hepatomegaly - gets bigger Cirrhosis - gets smaller Viral hepatitis Obstructive jaundice Hepatic carcinoma
What are the lobes of the liver called
Left lobe
Right proper lobe
Caudate lobe
Quadrate lobe
What does the hepatic artery do
Carries oxygenated blood to the hepatocytes
What is the duct that comes from the gall bladder
Cystic duct
What are gall stones
Crystalline bodies made of cholesterol or bilirubin and calcium salts
Where does the blood of the hepatic portal vein come from
The GI tract
What is portal hypertension
Increase in blood pressure in the liver
Why is portal hypertension dangerous
Can result in raised pressure in the oesophageal and gastric vessels which may rupture resulting in haematemesis
