Liver Disorders P1 Flashcards
The liver is located?
Under the diaphragm in the upper right quadrant
What are the 2 blood supplies TO the Liver?
- Oxygenated blood flows in via the hepatic artery
- Venous blood flows in via the hepatic portal vein (MOST BLOOD)
What are lobules?
A hexagonal structure composed of hepatocytes
What are sinusoids?
Vascular channels allowing exchange between blood & hepatocytes
Blood exits each lobule by small veins which combine to carry blood AWAY from the liver?
Back to the heart via the hepatic vein
Bile is produced in?
Hepatocytes and drains in the canaliculi
Portal triads of composed of 3 major tubes?
Hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct
What is Bilirubin?
a yellow-fat-soluble waste product produced from the breakdown of haemoglobin
How is bilirubin formed?
Heme component of an RBC is converted to bilirubin
Where is bile transported and why?
Liver via the hepatic portal blood system, so it can be conjugated and made water soluble for excretion when secreted with bile
What is Jaundice?
(icterus) is a yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to abnormally high levels of serum bilirubin accumulating in these tissues
What is the cause of Jaundice?
Results from an alteration in normal bilirubin metabolism or in the flow of bile into the hepatic or biliary tract systems
What is pre-hepatic jaundice and location of effect?
Hemolytic jaundice & due to increased rate of breakdown of RBCs, causing excess unconjugated bilirubin to accumulate
Causes of pre-hepatic jaundice?
Haemolytic anemias, blood transfusion reactions, incompatible Rhesus (Rh) factor in neonates
What is intrahepatic jaundice?
Impaired ability of the liver to process (conjugate) bilirubin or secrete it
Symptoms of intrahepatic jaundice?
Raised concentrations of both conjugated and unconjugated of bilirubin but stool and urine normal
Common causes of intra-hepatic jaundice?
Hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, cirrhosis
What is post-hepatic Jaundice?
Obstruction of bile flow between the liver and intestine, impairing bile formation by hepatocytes or bile flow by blockage of the bile ducts/ductules
Post-hepatic Jaundice symptoms?
Build-up of bilirubin and bile acids in the blood, and abnormal stool
Causes of post-hepatic?
Strictures (biliary atresia) of bile duct, or obstruction by gallstones, tumours of bile duct or pancreas
What is Cholestasis?
Impaired bile formation by hepatocytes or impaired bile flow by blockage of the bile ducts/ductules
What is Intrahepatic cholestasis?
Widespread blockage of small ducts/canaliculi
Composition of Gallstones?
80% - cholesterol and 20% calcified stones containing bilirubin pigments
Risk factors for Gallstones?
Overweight; age >60; female; rapid weight loss
