Liver (Exam 2) Flashcards
Major Functions of the LIver
Metabolism and storage of fat-CHO-vitamins-minerals
Blood volume reservoir - Distended/compresses to alter circulation blood volume
-Filters blood
-Blood clotting factors
-Drug metabolism and detoxification
Portal Circulation
The portal circulatory system brings blood to the liver from the stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas
Blood enters through the portal vein
the absorbed products of digestion come directly to the liver and are sent to the lobules
This is the first pass effects
Major Liver Enzymes
ALT
AST
Alk Phos
Does ALT, AST, and ALK Phos increase or decrease with liver problems
Increase
Does serum Ammonia increase or decrease with liver failure
Increase because the liver breaks ammonia down
Does serum protein and albumin increase or decrease with liver failure
Decrease because the liver helps produce these
Does prothrombin time increase or decrease with liver problems
Increases
Jaundice (icterus): Caused by
Increased levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream
usually causes problems and is noticeable with total bilirubin is greater than 2-2.5mg/dl
How to determine cause of jaundice
Look at conjugated versus unconjugated to determine possible cause
3 classifications of Jaundice
Hemolytic
Hepatocellular
Obstructive
Hemolytic Jaundice
Increased breakdown of RBC’s
Hepatocellular Jaundice
Liver unable to take up bilirubin from blood or unable to conjugate it
Obstructive Jaundice
Decrease or obstructed flow of bile
Bilirubin
By product of heme breakdown –> mainly hemoglobin
Conjugated Bilirubin
Direct
Unconjugated Bilirubin
Indirect
Elevations of INDIRECT bilirubin
bilirubin overproduction or impaired liver functioning
Elevations of DIRECT bilirubin
Liver working, but cant get the bilirubin out. Obstruction / gall stone
Jaundice Clinical Manifestations
Dark amber urine
Elevated liver enzymes
Normal / clay stools
Pruritus
Viral Hepatitis
Systemic virus that mainly affects the liver. Inflammation
Various strains of hepatits
A B C
other virus that can cause hepatitis –> epstein-barr and cytomegalovirus