Untitled Deck Flashcards
(39 cards)
Key Functions of the Hepatobiliary System
The hepatobiliary system includes the liver
gallbladder
The liver produces bile
which aids in the digestion of fats and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
It metabolizes nutrients from food
detoxifies harmful substances
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile until it is needed for digestion.
The biliary system facilitates the transport of bile from the liver to the duodenum.
Anatomy of the Hepatobiliary System
The liver is the largest internal organ
located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
The gallbladder is a small
pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver
Bile ducts transport bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine.
The hepatic artery supplies oxygenated blood to the liver
while the portal vein brings nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs.
Key Terms and Definitions
Common Conditions of the Hepatobiliary System
Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
often due to liver cirrhosis or heart failure.
Cholecystitis: Acute inflammation of the gallbladder
typically caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct.
Cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease characterized by the replacement of liver tissue with fibrous tissue
leading to loss of liver function.
Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections
alcohol use
Tumors and Cancers
Hepatocellular carcinoma: A primary malignant tumor of the liver
often associated with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Hepatocellular adenoma: A benign liver tumor frequently linked to the use of oral contraceptives
typically asymptomatic but may rupture.
Pancreatic cancer: Malignant growth from the epithelial cells of the pancreas
often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to vague symptoms.
Complications and Related Conditions
Gallbladder and Biliary Complications
Cholelithiasis: The presence of gallstones
which can lead to cholecystitis or pancreatitis if they obstruct the bile ducts.