Normal Liver Flashcards
(34 cards)
How much does the adult liver weigh?
1,500 grams
where is the liver located?
the liver is an intraperitoneal structure that occupies the right upper quadrant, right hypochondrium, epigastric region, and left hypochondrium of the abdomen.
what are the three places on the diaphragm that the liver touches?
The liver touches the diaphragm on the anterior, posterior, and superior surface.
what is the thin covering of the liver called?
Glisson’s capsule
is the liver intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal?
intraperitoneal
what is the bare area?
the bare area is everywhere the liver touches the diaphragm which is not covered by peritoneum
what three structures flow together throughout the liver?
the arterioles, venules, and bile ducts all flow together
what is the area where the arterioles, venules, and bile ducts all flow together called?
the portal triad, porta hepatis, or “Mickey Mouse” sign
which structures are hepatopetal?
hepatic artery and portal vein are hepatopetal
which structures are hepatofugal?
the hepatic veins have hepatofugal flow
what does “hepatopetal” mean?
blood is flowing TOWARDS the liver
what does “hepatofugal” mean?
blood is flowing AWAY from the liver
toward the IVC, which is larger, the portal veins or hepatic veins and why?
the hepatic veins are larger than the portal veins because the hepatic veins drain deoxygenated blood from the liver and carry it back to the heart through the IVC.
what is a lobule made of?
a lobule is made up of kupffer cells and hepatocytes
what are the functions of kupffer cells?
kupffer cells are responsible for phagocytosis of bacteria and other foreign bodies
list at least 10 functions of the liver
1) converts glucose to glycogen and stores it
2) stores iron and certain vitamins
3) secretes bile which aids in the digestion of fats
4) filters and detoxifies blood
5) produces a major amount of body heat
6) Manufatures clotting factors
7) regulates blood volume
8) disposes of old red blood cells and produces new ones
9) Makes antibodies to filter and destroy bacteria
10) Metabolizes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins
list the main lab values that affect liver function
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase): an enzyme that is released into the bloodstream at abnormally high levels as a result of injury to the producing cells
- ALT (alanine aminotransferase): an enzyme used in the synthesis of amino acids
what are the traditional names for the three lobes of the liver?
right, left, and caudate lobes
traditionally, what divides the liver into left and right lobes?
the falciform ligament
traditionally, what is the largest lobe of the liver?
the right lobe
what is housed inside the falciform ligament?
the ligamentum teres
is the falciform ligament visible on ultrasound?
no
is the ligamentum teres visible on ultrasound?
yes
what are the four main ligaments that support the liver?
the falciform ligament, the right and left triangular ligaments, and the coronary ligament
