Structure and function of the liver

Question 1

Where is the liver located

Answer 1

below diaphragm,
right upper quadrant
abdominal cavity

Question 2

What is the purpose of the portal vein

Answer 2

draining blood from

intestines & spleen.

Question 3

What does the hepatic artery do?

Answer 3

Supply the liver with oxygenated blood

Question 4

How much of the blood supply does the hepatic artery and portal vein individually make up for the liver?

Answer 4

25% Hepatic artery and 75% portal vein

Question 5

What are sinusoids

Answer 5

The portal vein & hepatic artery
branch within lobes & eventually
converge into tunnels,

Question 6

What do the sinusoids allow

Answer 6

Allows exchange between blood & hepatocytes -
merge to hepatic vein - drains to
inferior vena cava and ultimately to
heart.

Question 7

Name the two major types of liver cells

Answer 7

Parenchymal cells(75%94% by volume) and non perenchymal cells (25% and 6% by volume)

Question 8

What are the sub divisions of those cells

Answer 8

Perenchymal cells are Hepatocytes
Non parenchymal- Epithelial cells 48%
• Kupffer cells29%
• Fat-storing cells 20% (varies)
• Others (“Pit-cells”) 3%

Question 9

What is unique about the way hepatic cells regenerate and how do they regenerate?

Answer 9

Hepatocytes rarely divide but uniquely can reproduce
(response to stimulus such as removal of part of liver)
Involves controlled hyperplasia - restores the liver to within 5 to
10% of original weight

Question 10

What is the function of the liver

Answer 10

Regulation, purification ,storage and synthesis and secretion

Question 11

What does the liver purify

Answer 11

amonia . bilirubin, hormones , drugs and toxins

Question 12

What does the liver store

Answer 12

glucose , fat, folate, vitimin b12 , copper and iron

Question 13

What does the liver regulate

Answer 13

glucose and cholesterol

Question 14

What doe the liver synthesis and secrete

Answer 14

albumin, clotting factor, transporter proteins,bile ,glucose and complement