The Liver Anatomy Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does the hepatic portal vein connect?
The GI tract to the liver.
A group of hepatocytes is also known as what?
Lobules
What are the cells called which protect the liver?
Kupffer cells
True or False: Each functional unit of the liver has its own vein.
True.
-> within each cell and each cell is connected by connective tissue
Can the liver regenerate?
Yes
What happens during Phase 1 of drug metabolism?
Pro drug is metabolises into its active form.
What happens during the phase 2 of drug metabolism?
Drug is deactivated and removed from the body -> excretion
What is the enzyme found in the liver called?
Cytochrome P450 enzyme
What does the therapy and dose of liver treatment depend on?
The levels of Cytochrome P450 an individual has.
Which enzyme breaks down codeine into morphine?
CYP2D6
What are the 3 main blood supplies of the liver?
- Hepatic vein
- Hepatic artery
- Hepatic portal vein
What is the role of bile?
Emulsifier which breaks down large fat droplets into smaller emulsion droplets.
What is the role of liver when looking at bilirubin?
Route of excretion for bilirubin
-> byproduct of red blood cell breakdown
What are the important reasons for liver function tests?
- If individual has a disease
- To make a specific diagnosis
- Establish severity of liver dysfunction or damage once diagnosed with disease
- Monitor progression of disease and response to therapy
What is part of the liver function panel?
- Bilirubin conc.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Alanine aminotransferases (ALT)
- Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST)
- Gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT)
How is bilirubin produced?
- Haemoglobin released
- Iron removed -> Protoporphyrin
- Bond broken to form bilirubin
What happens to bilirubin before it is secreted?
It is conjugated
What are the 2 substances which give urine and faeces their colour?
Urobilinogen - urine -> yellow
Stercobilin - faeces -> brown
How do you know if a patient has liver disease when looking at their urine and faeces?
Urine will be darker and faeces will be paler.
Which condition can show significant liver damage?
Jaundice
-> increase in levels of urobilin
