Liver A&P Flashcards
liver location
–right epigastric region
–enclosed in peritoneum
liver morphology
–largest organ in body
–has fibrous capsule that divides it into left and right lobes
lobules
functional units of liver
how is lobule constructed?
each lobule has rows of hepatic cells (hepatocytes) arranged around a central vein
sinusoids
between hepatocytes and are lined with Kupffer cells
Kupffer cells
remove bacteria and toxins from the blood
functions of the liver
–digestive
–endocrine
–hematologic
–excretory
digestive functions of liver
–bile secretion
–processing and storing fats, carbs, proteins, and minerals
endocrine functions of liver
–metabolism of glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and sex hormones
–regulation of carb, fat, and protein metabolism
hematologic functions of liver
–temporary storage of blood
–removal of bilirubin from bloodstream
–synthesis of blood clotting factors
excretory functions of liver
–excretion of bile pigment
–excretion of cholesterol
–synthesis of urea
–detoxification of drugs and other foreign substances