The Liver Flashcards
I hat is the liver and where is it located?
Largest internal organ
Upper abdomen, below diaphragm
Describe 5 hepatic functions;
Metabolism of fat
Detoxification
Bile formation/secretion
Metabolism of proteins
Metabolism or carbohydrates
What are hepaticytes?
Production of bile, protein synthesis and storage, fat metabolism , glucose metabolism
Describe kupffer cells;
Removal of cell debris from spent erythrocytes / organisms by phagocytosis
Describe sinusoidal endothelial cells;
Discontinuous endothelium
Fenestrated (no diaphragms)
Line sinusoids
What are hepatic stellate cells and what do they store?
Production of extracellular matrix
Fat storing cells
Store vitamin A
Space of disse
What is bile?
Water.
Electrolytes
Bile salts
Phospholipids
Cholesterol
How is bile secreted?
Secreted by liver, stored in gall bladder, ejected into duodenum
How is the release of bile stimulated?
By neural and/or hormonal stimuli
Outline some functions of bile
Neutralise stomach acid
AIDS lipid digestion and update
Eliminates waste products and xenobiotics
Protect GIT from oxidative stress
What is bile pigment called ?
Bilirubin
Excess dissolved in sub cutaneous fat
Outline some facts of liver disease;
UK 5th largest killer
90% due to alcohol, viral hepatitis & obesity
Ppl can survive w 70% liver damage
What is steatosis?
Excess lipid droplets
Distruption of lipoprotein secretion
How does damage form in the liver?
Liver damage causes liver stellate cells to become over active and triggers the increase in extra cellular matrix (ECM)
What is hepatic cirrhosis?
Slowly progressing disease
Repeating bouts of fibrosis
The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver
