Untitled Deck Flashcards
Key Functions of the Hepatobiliary System
The hepatobiliary system includes the liver
gallbladder
The liver produces bile
which aids in the digestion of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
It metabolizes nutrients from food
detoxifies harmful substances
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile until it is needed for digestion.
The biliary system facilitates the transport of bile from the liver to the duodenum.
Anatomy of the Hepatobiliary System
The liver is the largest internal organ
located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
The gallbladder is a small
pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver
Bile ducts transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine.
The hepatic artery supplies oxygenated blood to the liver
while the portal vein brings nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs.
Key Terms and Definitions
Common Conditions of the Hepatobiliary System
Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
often due to liver cirrhosis or heart failure.
Cholecystitis: Acute inflammation of the gallbladder
typically caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct.
Cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease characterized by the replacement of liver tissue with fibrous tissue
leading to loss of liver function.
Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections
alcohol use
Tumors and Cancers
Hepatocellular carcinoma: A primary malignant tumor of the liver
often associated with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Hepatocellular adenoma: A benign liver tumor frequently linked to the use of oral contraceptives
typically asymptomatic but may rupture.
Pancreatic cancer: Malignant growth from the epithelial cells of the pancreas
often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to vague symptoms.
Complications and Related Conditions
Gallbladder and Biliary Complications
Cholelithiasis: The presence of gallstones
which can lead to cholecystitis or pancreatitis if they obstruct the bile ducts.
Gallstone ileus: A rare condition where gallstones erode into the small intestine
causing bowel obstruction.
Surgical jaundice: Occurs when there is a blockage in the biliary system
preventing bile from entering the duodenum
Liver Conditions and Symptoms
Hepatomegaly: Enlargement of the liver
often seen in conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease.
Jaundice: Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin accumulation
which can be caused by liver dysfunction or hemolytic diseases.
Metastatic liver disease: The spread of cancer from other parts of the body to the liver
complicating treatment and prognosis.
Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches
Diagnostic Techniques
Imaging studies such as ultrasound
CT scans
Blood tests can assess liver function
detect hepatitis viruses
Biopsies may be performed to confirm the presence of tumors or assess liver damage.
Treatment Options
Treatment for gallbladder diseases may include dietary changes
medications
Management of liver diseases often involves lifestyle changes
medications
For cancers
treatment may include surgery
