9. Normal liver functions

Question 1

List the normal functions of the liver. (10)

Answer 1

Removes waste, bilirubin excretion
Production of cellular fuels
Synthesises clotting factors
Breakdown of drugs and toxins
Bile production
Storage of vitamins and minerals
Storage of energy sources
Hormone modification
Phagocytosis of foreign material that enters via the portal system from the bowel
Produces acute phase proteins (change their concentration in response to inflammatory cytokines)

Question 2

What clotting factors are produces by the liver?

Answer 2

I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XIII and antithrombin

Question 3

How much bile is produced by the liver daily?

Answer 3

250-1000ml

Question 4

List what is stored in the liver

Answer 4

Glycogen
Copper
Iron
Vitamin A, E, D, K, B12 (fat soluble vitamins)
Lipids
Protein

Question 5

What cellular fuels are produced by the liver?

Answer 5

Keto-acids
Fatty acids
Glucose

Question 6

What is the functional division of the liver?

Answer 6

Into left and right lobes - based on vasculature

Each receives a main branch from the hepatic artery, portal vein, hepatic vein, and hepatic duct