Overview of the Liver Flashcards
What two blood vessels supply the liver?
- Hepatic portal vein (70-80%)
- Hepatic artery (20-30%)
How does the liver aid in carbohydrate metabolism?
Liver maintains blood glucose levels by storing glucose as glycogen when it is not needed and breaking down glycogen to glucose when it is needed.
How does the liver aid with fat metabolism?
Breaks down fats to produce energy.
How does the liver aid with protein metabolism?
- Liver converts proteins to amino acids
- Detoxifies ammonia absorbed from the gut
What 4 products are made in the liver?
1) Albumin (plasma proteins involved in maintaining hydrostatic pressure in blood vessels)
2) Globulins
3) Clotting factors
4) Bile
What is stored in the liver?
Iron, copper, glycogen
How does the liver aid in immunity?
- Contains Kupffer cells (these are attached to the inside of sinusoids
- Has a role in inflammation and immunity
The liver helps to transform haemoglobin from old red blood cells to bilirubin, what is the function of bilirubin?
It is a pigment associated with haem breakdown.
What are some of the main signs of liver disease?
Inappetance, anorexia
Vomiting, diarrhoea
Jaundice
Lethargy
Acholic faeces
(plus more)
What 4 enzymes are present in the liver?
ALT
ALP
AST
GGT
What are some of the changes that can occur as a result of liver disease?
1) Increased liver enzymes
2) Increased bilirubin
3) Increased bile acids
4) Increased blood ammonia
5) Decreased blood glucose
What is triaditis?
Concurrent inflammation of the pancreas, the liver and the small intestine
What are some of the possible causes of liver disease?
- Infection
- Parasites
- Genetics
- Degeneration
- Neoplasia
- Toxicity
