The Liver Flashcards
What is the largest gland in the body after the skin?
The liver
The liver weighs about 1.5 kg and is shaped like a cone, prism, or wedge.
Where is the liver located in the abdominal cavity?
Right upper quadrant
Specifically in the right hypochondrium and epigastric region.
What surrounds the liver?
Glisson’s capsule
The liver is also incompletely covered by peritoneum.
What are the main functions of the liver?
- Bile production and secretion
- Detoxification
- Storage of glycogen
- Production of special proteins for fat transport
- Erythropoiesis in fetus
- Destruction of old red blood cells
The destruction of red blood cells contributes to the brown coloration of fecal matter.
What are the two anatomical regions of the liver’s surfaces?
- Diaphragmatic surface
- Visceral surface
The diaphragmatic surface is smooth and dome-shaped, while the visceral surface is uneven and concave.
What is the function of the falciform ligament?
Attaches the anterior surface of the liver to the anterior abdominal wall
It forms a division between the left and right lobes of the liver.
What is the role of the coronary ligaments?
Attaches the superior surface of the liver to the inferior surface of the diaphragm
It has anterior and posterior folds that form triangular ligaments.
What are the two additional lobes of the liver?
- Caudate lobe
- Quadrate lobe
These lobes arise from the right lobe of the liver.
What is the histological structure of the liver divided into?
Lobules
Each lobule is hexagonal-shaped and drained by a central vein.
What are portal triads composed of?
- Arteriole
- Venule
- Bile duct
Portal triads also contain lymphatic vessels and vagus nerve.
What are the three functional zones of the liver based on oxygen supply?
- Zone 1: Encircles portal tracts
- Zone 2: Between zones 1 and 3
- Zone 3: Around the central vein
Zone 1 has the highest oxygen supply, while zone 3 has the lowest.
What percentage of the liver’s blood supply comes from the hepatic portal vein?
Approximately 75%
The remaining 25% comes from the hepatic arteries.
What is hepatitis?
Inflammation of the liver
It is usually caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C, but can also have non-infectious causes.
What is cirrhosis?
Permanent scarring of the liver due to long-term damage
It often occurs after chronic liver disease.
What condition results from liver failure and leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen?
Ascites
This occurs as the liver leaks fluid into the belly, causing distension.
