Liver Structure and Function Flashcards
Describe the size of the liver in relation to other organs of the body
The liver is the largest organ
Approx. how heavy is the liver?
1.4kg/3lbs
What quadrant is the liver located in?
Upper right quadrant
Where is the liver located in relation to the abdominal-diaphragm?
Tucked against the inferior surface
Describe the lobular structure of the liver
Major lobes - Right (largest) and left
Minor lobes - Caudate and Quadrate
How do blood and lymph vessels, ducts and nerves enter/exit the liver?
From Porta on the inferior surface
What two ducts join to form the common bile duct?
Common hepatic duct and cystic duct
Describe the covering of the liver
Connective tissue capsule and visceral peritoneum except for bare area (surrounded by coronary ligament on diaphragmatic surface)
What connect tissue lies around the ports?
Capsule across branching network of septa into the body for support
What follow the septa throughout the liver?
Vessels, duct and nerves
Outline the divisions of the septa
Divide into hexagonal lobules
What vessels re located in each lobule in the form of a tirad?
HPV, HA, HD (also lymph and nerves)
What structure is located at the centre of each lobule?
Central veins
What vessel does the hepatic vein flow into?
IVC
What structures radiate out of central veins like spokes of a wheel?
Hepatic cords
What are hepatic cords formed from?
Hepatocytes (functional cells of the liver)
What canalised structure lies between cells in the hepatic cord?
Bile canaliculi
What are the spaces between hepatic cords called?
Sinusoids (blood channels)
What are the six components of bile?
- Bile acids
- Lecithin
- Cholesterol
- Bile pigments
- Toxic metals
- Bicarbonate
What quantity of bile acids are produced daily?
0.5g/day
What process occurs to bile acids before secretion into ducts?
Conjugation with glycerine/taurine to form bile salts
How are bile salts recycled after secretion?
Via the enterohepatic circulation
Outline the outcome of different bile pigments (bilirubin derivatives)
Yellow bile - bilirubin extracted by hepatocytes
Brown faeces - bilirubin modified by bacteria enzymes
Yellow urine - reabsorbed bilirubin excreted in urine
What is the role of bile salts, lecithin and cholesterol?
Solublise fats
