liver cirrhosis

Question 1

risks of excess alcohol consumption?

Answer 1

• cardiomyopathy
• oedema

Question 2

function of liver

Answer 2

• produces bile
• Synthesis of Proteins and Clotting Factors
• Detoxification

Question 3

Is the liver a labile, stable or permanent tissue type? What does this mean?

Answer 3

• labile
• due to high regenerative potential
• continuously divide and replace lost or damaged cells

Question 4

A scan of the abdomen shows that the swelling is due to fluid in the peritoneal cavity. What is this fluid called?

Answer 4

ascitic fluid

Question 5

pathological process behind liver cirrhosis

Answer 5

• chronic insults to the liver
• liver inflammation and damage.
• generating scar tissue in response to ongoing injury or inflammation
• fibrosis progresses, the liver tissue becomes increasingly nodular and irregular in appearance
• scar tissue disrupts the liver’s normal structure and function, impairing blood flow through the liver and hindering its ability to perform essential functions
• advanced cirrhosis can lead to complications such as portal hypertension, ascite

Question 6

If a patient has a partial hepatectomy, the liver has the ability to regenerate……How does it do
this?

Answer 6

• loss of liver tissue triggers process of regeneration
• hepatocytes release growth factors + cytokines (HGF)
• growth factors activate signalling pathways - cell proliferation
• hepatocytes rapidly divide - increase in number
• new hepatocytes grow + form clusters/buds
• clusters of hepatocytes organise + form functional liver tissue
• over time liver regains original size

Question 7

symptoms liver cirrhosis

Answer 7

• tiredness and weakness.
• loss of appetite.
• weight loss
• nausea
• tenderness or pain around the liver area
• jaundice