Liver Function

Question 1

Why is the liver resilient?

Answer 1

It can regenerate cells destroyed by short time injury or disease

Question 2

Name the two types of liver cells

Answer 2

Hepatocytes and Kuppfer cells

Question 3

What is the bile canaliculi?

Answer 3

The small spaces between hepatocytes that form intrahepatic ducts where excretory products of the cells can drain

Question 4

What are the role of Kuppfer cells?

Answer 4

Macrophage cells that line sinusoids - act as phagocytes to engulf bacteria, debris and toxins

Question 5

List the 5 major functions of the liver

Answer 5

1. Metabolic
2. Synthetic
3. Storage
4. Detoxification
5. Excretory/digestive

Question 6

Give examples of metabolic functions of the liver

Answer 6

Carbohydrate metabolism - releases glucose by breaking down glycogen, stores glycogen

Protein metabolism - plasma proteins

Lipid metabolism and cholesterol

Question 7

Give an example of the synthesis function of the liver

Answer 7

Synthesises plasma proteins (albumin, clotting factors, c-reactive proteins)

Question 8

Give examples of the storage function of the liver (what does it store)

Answer 8

Iron, amino acids, glycogen, some vitamins (A, D, B12) and temporary lipid storage

Question 9

Give examples of the detoxification function of the liver

Answer 9

Detoxifies GIT metabolites, drugs, alcohol and paracetemol

Question 10

Give an example of the excretory/digestive function of the liver

Answer 10

Degrades bilirubin and removes excess cholesterol through bile