Lecture 7 : Liver Anatomy and Function

Question 1

Gross anatomy of the liver

Answer 1

Largest internal organ, upper right quadrant of abdomen

Right and left lobes (caudate and quadrate lobes)

Dual blood supply from hepatic artery (OXYGENATED) and hepatic portal vein (nutrient-rich blood from GI Tract)

Question 2

Microscopic anatomy of liver

Answer 2

Made of lobules (hexagonal units)

Central vein at centre, at corner, branches of bile duct, portal vein and hepatic artery

Loads of hepatocytes (functional unit of liver)

Question 3

Hepatic cell types

Answer 3

Hepatocytes - Functional unit, carru out metabolism, detox, bile production

Kupffner cells - Specialised macrophages, removing pathogens / old cells from blood

Stellate cells - store vitamin A, involved in fibrosis

Endothelial cells - Line sinusoids, allow exchange of substances

Cholangiocytes - Line bile ducts and modify bile composition

Sinusoids

Question 4

Functions of liver

Answer 4

Metabolism: of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins

Detoxification: of drugs, toxins, and waste (e.g., ammonia → urea)

Bile production: aids fat digestion and waste excretion

Storage: glycogen, iron, vitamins (A, D, B12)

Synthesis: plasma proteins (albumin, clotting factors)

Immune function: via Kupffer cells

Hormone regulation: breaks down insulin, sex hormones, etc.

Question 5

Causes of Liver Disease

Answer 5

Infectious: Hepatitis A, B, C (viral infections)

Toxic: Alcohol, drugs (e.g., paracetamol overdose)

Metabolic: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hemochromatosis

Autoimmune: Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis

Vascular: Budd-Chiari syndrome

Genetic: Wilson’s disease (copper buildup)