LO5: Liver And Cirrhosis Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the three functions of the liver?
Deamination
Detoxification
Production of bile
What is Deamination as a function of the liver?
Occurs in the liver during protein metabolism
Results in the production of ammonia which is toxic waste
What is detoxification as a function of the liver?
Liver converts ammonia into urea’s so it is less toxic waste
Urea is transported in the blood and removed by the kidney in the urine
Liver breaks down alcohol removing it from the blood
What is the production of bile as a function of the liver?
Bile is produced by the liver as a result of breakdown of red blood cells
Bile is storied in gall bladder until needed by digestive system
Bile emulsifies fats during digestive process
What is homeostasis?
Maintenance of constant internal environment conditions in the body, must be carefully controlled if the body is to function effectively, nervous system and hormones are responsible for this
What are some examples of homeostasis?
Body temp maintained at 37•C enzymes work best at this temp
Blood sugar levels controlled by release and storage of glucose controlled by insulin
Water content to protect cells by preventing much water entering or leaving
What is a negative feedback loop?
If the level of something rises, control systems reduce it again
If the level of something falls, control systems raise it again
Negative feedback loop stages with blood glucose
1: Concentration of blood glucose increases above normal after a meal
2: too much glucose in the blood, negative feedback from pancreas
3: Pancreas secretes more insulin pancreas is the infector
4: liver and muscles convert excess glucose to glycogen and store it
5: concentration of blood glucose returns to normal
What is the biological explanation of liver cirrhosis?
Scarring of liver caused by long term liver damage
Scar tissue prevents liver from working properly can eventually lead to liver failure and end stage liver disease
What is the possible causes of cirrhosis?
Drinking too much alcohol over many years
Being infected with hepatitis for long time especially B and C
Severe term of non alcoholic fatty liver disease
Inherited condition
What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?
Nauseous
Loss of appetite
Jaundice
Dark pee and tarry stool
Swollen legs
How to monitor cirrhosis?
Blood tests: identify how severe cirrhosis, testing liver enzymes, test for infections
Imaging tests: x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, help to produce image showing extent of damage
What are the treatments for cirrhosis?
No cure for Cirrhosis but can manage the symptoms and complications with:
Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, healthy diet and weight to slow progression of disease
Liver transplant from and donor liver to remove the damaged one
What are the care needs for individuals with cirrhosis?
Requires continuous monitoring
Care required to accomodate long term illness
