Liver: Structure and Function Flashcards
Liver function tests: Transaminases
ALT, AST, lactate dehydrogenase
Released in the event of cell injury e.g. ischaemia. Therefore, elevated in liver damage
Liver function tests: Alkaline phosphatase
Removed from the plasma by the liver. Elevated in disorders affecting the bile duct.
Found between canaliculi and hepatocytes.
Liver function tests: Gamma Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)
Elevated when alcohol is consumed. Transports amino acids and peptides to the liver.
Liver function tests: Synthetic function
Albumin, clotting screen (e.g. fibrinogen), acute phase proteins
Liver function tests: Excretory function
Plasma/urine bilirubin, urine urobilinogen
Alcohol metabolism - Process
Alcohol –> acetaldehyde –> acetate
1st enzyme: Alcohol DH
2nd enzyme: Acetaldehyde DH
Describe the surfaces observed on a hepatocyte
Sinusoids: In contact with the sinusoids. Microvilli projections are observed which protrude into the Space of Disse. 70% of hepatocyte surface
Canalicular: Surface in contact with bile canaliculi, where bile drains from the hepatocytes. Rich in actin for influencing canaliculi diameter.
Intercellular spaces: observed between hepatocytes. Have communicating junctions for communication between cells
Describe the structural and functional units of the liver
Structural: Lobule
Functional: Acinus. Describe the zones
Outline the function of Kuppfer cells
Specialised phagocytise fell within the liver. Like the hepatic sinusoids
Outline the function of Stellate cells
Function to store Vitamin A.
Respond to damage by the secretion of collagen and the formation of scar tissue.
Describe the passage of bile from the hepatocytes to the duodenum
Hepatocyte, bile canaliculi, canals of Hering, bile ductules of the portal tract, left and right hepatic duct, common hepatic duct, common bile duct, hepatopancreatic ampulla of Vater, major duodenal papilla,
