Physiology of Liver

Question 1

physiology of liver

Answer 1

metabolic regulation, hematological regulation, bile production

Question 2

metabolic regulation

Answer 2

the liver regulates:
- composition of circulating blood
- nutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids)
- waste product removal
- vitamin storage (A, D, E, & K)
- nutrient storage (iron)
- drug inactivation

Question 3

composition of circulating blood

Answer 3

• all blood leaving absorptive surfaces of digestive tract enter the hepatic portal system and flows into the liver
• liver cells extract nutrients or toxins form blood before they reach systemic circulation through hepatic veins
• liver removes and stores excess nutrients
  -corrects nutrient and deficiencies by mobilizing stores reserves or performing synthetic activities

Question 4

hematological regulation

Answer 4

• largest blood reservoir in the body
• receives 25% of cardiac output

Question 5

fx of hematological regulation

Answer 5

1. phagocytosis and antigen presentation
2. synthesis of plasma protein
3. removal of circulating hormones
4. removal of antibodies
5. removal or storage of toxins
6. synthesis and secretion of bile

Question 6

bile production

Answer 6

fx of bile:
1. dietary lipids are not water soluble (dissolved)
2. mechanical processing in stomach creates large drops containing lipids
3. pancreatic lipase is not lipid soluble and only interacts at surface of lipid droplet
4. emulsification

Question 7

emulsification

Answer 7

when bile salts break droplets apart which increases surface area exposed to enzymatic attack and creates tiny emulsion droplets coated with bile salts