The Liver

Question 1

What is the function of the hepatic artery

Answer 1

To supply oxygen rich blood to the duodenum, pancreas, liver, and parts of the stomach

Question 2

What is the function of the hepatic portal vein

Answer 2

It sends nutrient rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.
It also delivers toxins to the liver that will be chemically modified in the process of detoxification

Question 3

What is the function of the hepatic vein

Answer 3

hepatic veins are blood vessels that return low-oxygen blood from your liver back to the heart

Question 4

What is the function of the gallbladder

Answer 4

It stores and releases bile to help your digestive system break down fats

Question 5

What is the function of the common bile duct

Answer 5

It carries bile from the gallbladder and empty it into the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum)

Question 6

What is the portal triad

Answer 6

It is contained within the hepatoduodenal ligament and contains the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile ducts. Sinusoids are a fenestrated capillary like network that mixes oxygen rich blood with nutrient rich blood, it also clears debris

Question 7

Functions of the liver

Answer 7

• blood sugar homeostasis
• storage of fat soluble vitamins (A D E K B12)
• haemoglobin breakdown and iron storage (ferritin) ready for RBC production
• bile production
• eliminations of waste products - drugs, alcohol ammonia, toxins and bacteria

Question 8

What are kupffer cells/ what do they do

Answer 8

Macrophage or phagocytise cells
Remove toxins, bacteria, and debris from the blood coming from the small intestine via hepatic portal vein
Recycle haemoglobin for a new RBC production
They are attached to the lining of the sinusoids

Question 9

What are hepatocytes/ what are there roles

Answer 9

Hepatocytes makeup the largest proportion of the cells in the body
Immunological and metabolic roles:
- albumin production
- antigen