Liver/ pancreas

Splenic vein

The splenic vein runs posterior to the body and tail of the pancreas, joining with the SMV at the pancreatic neck to form the portal–splenic confluence.

Portal-splenic confluence

The location where the splenic vein joins the superior mesenteric vein at the pancreatic neck to form the main portal vein.

Location of the liver

The liver is located in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen and extends to the left upper quadrant (LUQ).

Glisson’s capsule

A fibrous capsule that completely covers the liver's surface and ensheathes vessels and bile ducts.

Bare area of the liver

The area of the liver not covered by peritoneum, located on its posterior superior surface.

Coronary ligaments

Ligaments that suspend the liver from the diaphragm and define the bare area.

Right triangular ligament

Part of the liver's ligaments defining the right side connecting with the coronary ligaments.

Left triangular ligament

Part of the liver's ligaments defining the left side connecting with the coronary ligaments.

Main lobar fissure (MLF)

Echogenic line that separates the right and left lobes of the liver on ultrasound.

Falciform ligament

Peritoneal reflection that attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm.

Ligamentum teres

Remnant of the fetal umbilical vein running in the falciform ligament to the left portal vein.

Ligamentum venosum

Remnant of the fetal ductus venosus that separates the caudate lobe from the left lobe.

Portal venous system

The system responsible for carrying blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Main portal vein (MPV)

Formed by the splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein, entering the porta hepatis.

Hepatic veins

Veins that drain blood away from the liver; includes right, middle, and left hepatic veins.

Couinaud liver segments

Eight segments of the liver, each with its own portal triad inflow and hepatic vein outflow.

Hepatopetal flow

Blood flow towards the liver, typically seen in the portal venous system.

Hepatofugal flow

Blood flow away from the liver, typically seen in the hepatic veins.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver to emulsify fats in the small intestine.

Kupffer cells

Cells in the liver responsible for phagocytizing bacteria, old RBCs, and debris.

Liver enzymes

Enzymes such as AST and ALT that indicate liver health and function when elevated.

Acute pancreatitis

Sudden inflammation of the pancreas often caused by gallstones or alcohol, resulting in enzyme autodigestion.

Chronic pancreatitis

Long-standing inflammation of the pancreas, leading to irreversible damage and loss of function.

Pancreas divisum

A congenital anomaly where the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts fail to fuse.

Insulin

Hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas that lowers blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone produced by alpha cells in the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.

Somatostatin

Hormone produced by delta cells in the pancreas that inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion.

Acinar cell carcinoma

Rare malignant pancreatic tumor arising from enzyme-producing cells.

Insulinoma

Most common islet cell tumor that causes hypoglycemia due to excess insulin secretion.

Cirrhosis

Chronic, irreversible scarring of the liver, often caused by alcohol or viral hepatitis.

Fatty liver

Reversible condition characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Most common primary malignant tumor of the liver, associated with chronic liver disease.

Metastatic liver disease

Cancer that has spread to the liver from other parts of the body, often leading to multiple lesions.

Budd-Chiari syndrome

Condition caused by obstruction of the hepatic veins, leading to liver enlargement and congestion.

Portal hypertension

Abnormally high pressure in the portal venous system, often due to cirrhosis.

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Blood tests that measure specific enzymes and proteins to assess liver health.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones.

Choledocholithiasis

Presence of gallstones in the common bile duct.

Biliary obstruction

Blockage in the bile ducts, causing symptoms like jaundice and RUQ pain.

Lymphoma

Cancer of the lymphatic system which can affect the liver, presenting as hypoechoic lesions.

Ultrasound appearance of fatty liver

Increased echogenicity with poor penetration, obscuring diaphragm/vessels.

Clinical relevance of portal veins

Used in the evaluation of liver diseases, especially in portal hypertension and liver cancers.

Acquired liver cysts

Fluid-filled sacs in the liver that can be benign or associated with other conditions.

Echogenic ultrasound structures

Bright structures on ultrasound, often highlighting ligaments and vessels.

Liver transplant

Surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.

Ectopic pancreatic tissue

Pancreatic tissue located outside the normal pancreas, typically seen in the stomach or duodenum.

Liver biopsy

Procedure used to obtain liver tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Vascular anatomy of the pancreas

Includes major vessels like the SMV, IVC, and splenic vein in reference to pancreas relations.

Pseudocyst

Walled-off collection of pancreatic fluid, often arising from pancreatitis.

Serum amylase

Enzyme that typically elevates in pancreatic disorders.

Anatomical position of the pancreas

The pancreas has five parts: head, uncinate process, neck, body, and tail.

Chronic granulomatous disease

Genetic disorder leading to repeated infections due to dysfunctional phagocytes.

Hemochromatosis

Iron overload disorder affecting organs like the liver, leading to cirrhosis.

Cholestasis

Condition where bile flow is obstructed, leading to an accumulation of bile acids.

Hepatitis types

Includes A, B, and C; infections that can lead to liver inflammation.

Gallbladder fossa

Depression on the liver's surface where the gallbladder attaches.

Gastrointestinal hormones

Hormones produced in the gastrointestinal system, affecting digestion and metabolism.

Ductal carcinoma

Another name for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, arising from duct cells.

Surgical resection

Surgical procedure used to remove parts of the liver or pancreas in cancer treatment.

Palpable liver

Enlargement of the liver, often assessed during a physical exam.

Liver echotexture

Ultrasound appearance that can indicate different liver pathologies.

Diagnosis of liver disease

Often involves imaging and lab tests to determine liver function and structure.

Clinical implications of hepatic function

Assessing how well the liver can perform its metabolic and detoxification roles.

Hepatic cirrhosis diagnosis

Confirmed through imaging, lab tests, and sometimes biopsy showing fibrosis.

Metabolic dysfunction

Liver's impaired ability to process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Abdominal ultrasound indications

Used to evaluate liver, gallbladder, and pancreas for potential pathologies.

Interventional radiology

Medical specialty that uses imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures.

Cirrhosis complications

May include portal hypertension, ascites, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lymphatic drainage of the liver

Liver drains into lymphatic vessels, impacting immune functions.

Morphological changes in liver disease

Changes in liver size, echotexture, and shape observed on imaging.

End-stage liver disease

Final stage of chronic liver disease where functions severely decline.

Immunocompromised liver disorders

Liver diseases more prevalent in patients with weakened immune systems.

Peritoneal reflection

Areas where peritoneum reflects off the liver, forming ligaments.

Main pancreatic duct

The duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine.

Endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas

The pancreas has both hormone-secreting (endocrine) and digestive enzyme-producing (exocrine) functions.

Double duct sign

Observation on imaging indicating a blockage of both the bile duct and pancreatic duct.