Liver pathology Flashcards
Describe what hepatocytes are in the liver
Most abundant type of cell in the liver arranged into hexagonal lobules, they are one cell thick to maximise contact with the blood. Help with building proteins, producing bile and chemically processing molecules and foreign substances
Where does the liver get its blood from?
The hepatic portal vein and hepatic artery, dual blood supply
Is there connective tissue in the liver?
Yes, but little amounts. There is a reticulin fibre network that holds together all cells and supports the hepatocytes and sinusoid lining cells
What is Wilson’s disease?
A chronic, often fatal disease in which there is too much copper in the liver. It is caused genetically via the lack of an enzyme
What is primary haemochromatosis?
An autosomal recessive disorder causing the accumulation of iron in the liver due to a misregulation of the enzyme hepcidin
What is toxic liver disease?
A disease caused by the excess consumption of alcohol leading to the death of cells in the liver, leaving gaps that the body will fill with adipose tissue. The liver can remove the fat and replace it with tissue, but often too much.
What is focal necrosis?
Area of cell death within the liver, it can fill it back up with fibrous tissue but doesn’t possess an enzyme that can break it back down, leading to cirrhosis
What is cirrhosis?
The end stage of most liver disease, usually fibrosis surrounding liver cells causing necrosis. However, the liver can regenerate itself very well so it is a ver slow process. Characterised by liver cell damage, scarring, abnormal architecture and function
What is ascites?
abnormal accumulation of fluid
