Liver

Question 1

What is a lobule? what surrounds it, what does it contain

Answer 1

a hexagonal liver cell structure, with a central vein that carries deoxygenated blood and things out of the liver, surrounded by connective tissue septum

Question 2

Describe the Portal triad?

Answer 2

portal arteriole carries oxygenated blood and nutrients
portal venule carries nutrients from GI tract
both flow from exterior to interior of lobule towards central vein
bile duct flows internal to external for bile transport

Question 3

what are kupffer cells

Answer 3

macrophage like cells that remove foreign particles within lobule

Question 4

what type of cells are within lobules

Answer 4

hepatocytes

Question 5

6 functions of liver?

Answer 5

carb metabolism: glycogen synthesis; gluconeogenesis

protein metabolism: produce albumin (transport protein, supports oncotic pressure)
converts ammonia into urea (which is excreted by the kidneys) and clotting proteins

lipid metabolism
produces cholesterol; lipoproteins; bile acid

ketogenesis - when glycogen storage is depleted, body resorts to utilising fat stores for energy

hormone metabolism - produce steroid hormones

drug metabolism - excretes drugs and alcohol etc