Liver

Question 1

Major functions of hepatocytes

Answer 1

synthesis/secretion (proteins, cholesterol, lipoproteins)
bile formation/secretion (recycle bile acids)
metabolism & storage (lipid soluble drugs, steroids, storage of carbs as glycogen, detoxification)

Question 2

Venous Portal System

Answer 2

mesenteric artery
intestinal capillary bed (receive nutrients)
portal vein
hepatic sinusoids (release nutrients)
hepatic vein
vena cava

Question 3

Blood and bile flow through liver

Answer 3

portal vein - sinusoid - central venule - hepatic vein
portal triad (hepatic arteriole, portal venule, bile duct)
sinusoids transport blood
bile transport (bile canaliculus - bile ductule - bile duct)

Question 4

Hepatocyte structure

Answer 4

apical – excrete bile into canaliculi
basolateral – sinusoid w/ fenestrated endothelium
– Space of Disse (btwn hepatocyte + endothelium)
– Kupffer Cell (macrophage for RBC)

Question 5

Hepatocyte storage and synthesis

Answer 5

• store carbohydrates as glycogen (release as glucose)
• protein synthesis

Question 6

Two exocrine function of hepatocytes

Answer 6

• hemoglobin breakdown (bilirubin)
• bilirubin + glucuronide excrete into bile
• bile acids reabsorbed in intestine
• synthesis of cholic acid + glycine + taurine –> into bile

Question 7

Three endocrine function of hepatocytes

Answer 7

• carb uptake (glycogen storage)
• glycogen breakdown (glucose release)
• protein synthesis (plasma proteins)

Question 8

Gall bladder location and function

Answer 8

• R/L hepatic duct = common hepatic duct
• cystic duct lead to gall bladder (stores bile)
  = common bile duct into duodenum

Question 9

3 ways of describing liver organization

Answer 9

Classic Lobule (blood drainage)
Portal Lobule (bile drainage - 3 central veins, portal triad in middle)
Liver Acinus (blood supply zones)