Liver Physiology

Question 1

Blood Flow to the Liver

Answer 1

• 1/3 of blood flow comes from the hepatic artery which is a branch of celiac artery and carries oxygenated blood
• 2/3 comes from the portal vein which is fed by blood flow from the spleen intestines, stomach, and pancreas and it is partially oxygenated.
• Portal vein carries absorbed products of digestion (nutrients) directly to the liver where it comes in contact with each lobule and processes detoxifies and/or assimilates those substances
• Blood leaves the liver via the hepatic vein and empties into the inferior vena cava

Question 2

Metabolic functions of the liver(5)

Answer 2

carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism; detoxification of the blood; steroid metabolism

Question 3

Bile Synthesis functions include:

Answer 3

bile production, excretion and storage

Question 4

Storage functions include (6)

Answer 4

glucose (in the form of glycogen)
fat soluble vitamins (ADEK)
water soluble vitamins (B1, B12, folic acid)
Fatty acids
Minerals (iron)
amino acids in the form of albumin and beta globulins

Question 5

Mononuclear phagocyte system functions

Answer 5

breakdown of old RBCs, WBCs, bacteria ect.
breakdown of Hgb to bilirubin and biliverdin

Question 6

Functions of the Liver (11)

Answer 6

1. Bile production
2. Absorbs and metabolizes bilirubin
3. Assists in creating blood clotting factors (coagulants)
4. Fat metabolism
5. Carbohydrate metabolism
6. Vitamin and mineral storage
7. Protein metabolism
8. Filters the blood
9. Immunological functions
10. Production of albumin
11. Synthesis of angiotensinogen

Question 7

Bile production

Answer 7

bile helps the small intestine break down and absorb fats, cholesterol, and some vitamins. Consists of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes, and water

Question 8

Absorbs and metabolizes bilirubin

Answer 8

bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin. The iron released from the hemoglobin is stored in the liver or bone marrow and is used to make the next generation of RBCs

Question 9

Assists in creating blood clotting factors (coagulants)

Answer 9

Vitamin K - bile is essential to absorbing vitamin K. If liver doesnt produce enough bile, clotting factors cannot be produced

Question 10

Fat metabolism

Answer 10

Bile breaks down fats to make then easier to digest

Question 11

Carbohydrate metabolism

Answer 11

Carbohydrates are stored in the liver where they are broken down into glucose and cyphened into the blood stream to maintain normal blood glucose levels

Question 12

Vitamin and mineral storage

Answer 12

Keeps years worth of vitamins stored. Iron from hemoglobin in the form of ferritin is stored. ready to produce more RBC

Question 13

Protein metabolism

Answer 13

Bile helps break down protein to make it more digestible

Question 14

Filters the blood

Answer 14

Liver filters and removes compounds from within the body including hormones and compounds outside the body like alcohol and drugs. most drugs are metabolized in the kidneys or liver

Question 15

Immunological functions

Answer 15

contains high number of immunologically active cells called the kupfer cells

Question 16

Production of albumin

Answer 16

the most common protein in blood serum. maintains oncotic pressure

Question 17

Synthesis of angiotensinogen

Answer 17

raises BP via vasoconstriction. RAAS system