Michelle Ramsay Flashcards
(112 cards)
What is the immunological function of the liver (2)
- Secrete IgA into bile and upper GIT
2. Destruction of bacteria in blood via Kupffer and Nk cells
Which vitamins are stored in the liver (3)
- A
- D
- B12
Outline the metabolic functions of the liver
see Michelle Ramsay PBL notes for diagrams
Which acute phase proteins are synthesised by the liver? (5)
C-reactive protein (CRP) Caeruloplasmin α1-antitrypsin α1-acid glycoprotein α2-macroglobulin
Which glyoprotein and lipoprotein transport proteins are synthesised by the liver? (5)
- Transcortin (corticosteroid-binding globulin)
- Thyroid-binding globulin
- Sex hormone-binding globulin (testosterone,
oestradiol) - Transferrin (Fe)
- Lipoproteins (lipids)
Which clotting factor is used to measure liver function?
Factor vii since it has the shortest 1/2 life (5 hours)
What are the different classsifications of cirrhosis (3)
Macroscopic:
• micronodular - uniform nodules <3 mm
• macronodular - nodular variation >3 mm
• mixed
What are the microscopic features of cirrhosis (3)
- Diffuse involvement of liver
- Fibrous septa
- Inflammation affecting border of nodules or within the nodules themselves
See picture in notes of cirrhosis
What are the vascular and architectural changes seen in cirrhosis (4)
• Activated myofibroblasts (derived from hepatic stellate cells) and portal or central vein
fibroblasts, proliferate and produce excess extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in:
- fibrous portal tract expansion
- capillarization of the sinusoids, with loss of endothelial fenestrations
- congestion of the space of Disse with ECM
- central vein fibrosis
Explain the mechanisms by which alcohol causes liver damage and how it may alter the metabolism of other drugs. (PBL1+2)
in anki under IODs
Explain the mechanisms by which paracetamol causes liver damage. (PBL 2 + CPT session)
see michelle ramsay notes
Describe how to treat paracetamol overdose, and which clinical findings can be used to predict a patient with a poor prognosis who should be referred for liver transplantation. (PBL 2 + liver damage session)
see michelle ramsay notes
Explain the role of the liver in drug metabolism and the effect of liver disease. (CPT session)
see michelle ramsay notes
Which aspect of the liver do the hepatic veins arise form?
posterior aspect
What is the organisation o the structures at the porta hepatis
from anterior to posterior:
- Heptic ducts
- Hepatic artery
- Portal vein
Which ligaments attach the liver to the abdomen?
- Falicform
2. Left and right triangular ligaments
Where does the IVC lie in respect to the liver
lies in a deep groove on the posterior aspect
What is the hepatopancreatic ampulla surrounded by?
Sphincter of Oddi
What is the landmark location of the spleen
between 9, 10 and 11 ribs
What is the spleen covered by?
peritoneum
What are the three medial impression of the spleen
- Gastric
- Renal
- Colic
- also has a hilum where the splenic artery enters and splenic vein exits
What are the embryological supplies to the abdomen
the foregut extends from the lower part of the oesophagus the
second part of the duodenum
the midgut extends to the splenic flexure of the transverse colon
the hindgut extends to the upper part of the anal canal
the liver, spleen and pancreas are supplied by the coeliac artery
What are the consequences of an obstruction in portal flow (4)
- Shunts will open up between the portal and systemic circulation
- Portal-left gastric wtih
azygos veins in lower
oesophagus:
oesophageal varices
- Retroperitoneal veins enlarged at junction of mesenteric with retroperitoneal veins and also behind liver (‘bare area)
- Portal-epigastric veins newly reopened
in falciform ligament
with paraumbilical veins (‘Caput
Medusae’ around umbilicus) - Portal – splenic – inferior
mesenteric – superior rectal
with inferior rectal veins in
lower rectum (haemorrhoids)
What are the mechanisms of hepatic encephalopathy (6)
- Porto-systemic shunting
- Impaired NH3 metabolism to urea
- Impaired NH3 metabolism to glutamine
- Intrahepatic shunting
- Muscle breakdown, impaired NH3
metabolism to glutamine - Increased renal NH3 synthesis
also see michelle ramsay notes