Disorders of Hepatobiliary and Exocrine Pancreas Function

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards related to hepatobiliary and exocrine pancreas function, aimed at helping students review key terms and concepts essential for their pathophysiology exam.

Hepatobiliary System

System involving the liver, gallbladder, and associated ducts.

Functions of the liver

Metabolism of nutrients, synthesis of proteins, detoxification of drugs, and production of bile.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver damage resulting in scarring and liver failure.

Portal Hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the portal venous system.

Bile

Digestive fluid produced by the liver, essential for fat digestion.

Hepatic artery

Blood vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the liver.

Hepatic portal vein

Carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Gallstones

Solid particles that form in the gallbladder from cholesterol or bilirubin.

Ammonia

Toxic byproduct of protein metabolism converted to urea in the liver.

Bilirubin

End product of heme breakdown, elevated levels cause jaundice.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection, toxins, or autoimmune disorders.

Ethanol (ETOH) abuse

Excessive consumption of alcohol contributing to liver damage and pancreatitis.

Exocrine function of the pancreas

Secretion of digestive enzymes into the duodenum.

Endocrine function of the pancreas

Release of hormones like insulin into the bloodstream.

Steatorrhea

Fatty stools resulting from malabsorption of fats.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, often resulting from autodigestion.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Hematemesis

Vomiting blood, a possible sign of esophageal varices.

Fetor hepaticus

Musty or sweet odor of breath associated with liver disease.

Excessive blood levels of ammonia

Toxic condition due to liver failure leading to potential CNS damage.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar, can be a result of liver dysfunction.

Glucose homeostasis

Regulation of blood sugar levels, critically managed by the liver.

Ultrasonography

Imaging technique used to diagnose gallbladder and liver conditions.

Fibrosis

Formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in liver cirrhosis.

Electrolyte imbalances

Disruption in normal concentrations of minerals in the body, often seen in liver disease.

Sphincter of Oddi

Muscle that controls the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum.

Splenomegaly

Enlarged spleen, often associated with liver disease.

Dyspepsia

Indigestion, often seen with gallbladder disorders.

Clay-colored stools

Pale stools indicating lack of bile, often due to gallbladder obstruction.

Palmar erythema

Redness of the palms associated with liver disease.

Gynecomastia

Breast tissue enlargement in males, a sign of liver dysfunction.

Asterixis

Flapping tremor associated with hepatic encephalopathy.

Cholelithiasis

Presence of gallstones within the gallbladder.

Hepatic encephalopathy

CNS dysfunction due to liver failure and elevated ammonia levels.

Acute pancreatitis

Sudden inflammation of the pancreas with severe symptoms.

Chronic pancreatitis

Long-term inflammation of the pancreas, often leading to diabetes.

Varices

Enlarged veins, particularly in the esophagus or stomach, due to portal hypertension.

Pancreatic duct obstruction

Blockage preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the duodenum.

Bile salts

Compounds produced from cholesterol, aiding in fat digestion.

Inflammatory mediators

Substances released during inflammation, contributing to pain and swelling.

Hemorrhage

Blood loss, can be a complication of pancreatitis.

Liver functions

Include detoxification, protein synthesis, and enzyme production.

Splanchnic circulation

Blood flow through the gastrointestinal organs including the liver.

Hepatic vein

Vessel that drains deoxygenated blood from the liver.

Anorexia

Lack of appetite, a common symptom in liver diseases.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, potential complication of esophageal varices.

Bone marrow suppression

Decreased blood cell production due to liver dysfunction.

Acute liver failure

Rapid deterioration of liver function, leading to serious complications.

Hyperbilirubinemia

Excess bilirubin in the blood, indicating liver dysfunction.

Insulin resistance

Reduced sensitivity to insulin, common in liver disease.

Nutritional deficiency

Lack of essential nutrients often seen in liver dysfunction.

Liver biopsy

Diagnostic procedure to obtain liver tissue for analysis.

Acute kidney injury

Potential complication of liver failure and increased blood urea levels.

Lactulose

Medication used to reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy.

Variceal hemorrhage

Life-threatening bleeding from ruptured varices.

Pancreatic enzymes

Proteins that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Endocrine hormones

Hormones that regulate bodily functions, secreted directly into the bloodstream.

Gallbladder function

Storage and concentration of bile before release into the intestine.

Constipation

Infrequent bowel movements that can occur with liver disease.

Urine color changes

May indicate liver issues; dark urine can indicate bilirubin presence.

Fluid retention

Accumulation of excess fluid in body spaces, often seen with liver problems.

Diabetes mellitus

Condition that can develop due to chronic pancreatitis and insulin deficiency.

Fat malabsorption

Inability to absorb fats properly, leading to fatty stools.

Antioxidants

Substances that may play a role in protecting the liver from damage.

IgG antibodies

Immune proteins that may be elevated in liver autoimmune diseases.

Octreotide

Medication used to prevent variceal bleeding.

Portal vein thrombosis

Clot in the portal vein affecting liver blood flow.

Stomach acid,

May irritate the gastrointestinal tract in liver disease.

Cholesterol

Substance that can form gallstones when levels are excessively high.

Transaminases

Liver enzymes measured to assess liver damage.

Liver transplantation

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

Drug-induced liver injury

Liver damage as a result of medication side effects.

Infection risk in liver disease

Increased vulnerability due to impaired immune function.

Necrosis

Cell death within the pancreas during acute pancreatitis.

Histologic changes in cirrhosis

Changes observed in liver tissue due to chronic damage.

Cholangitis

Infection of the bile duct system.

Palpable liver edge

Sign of liver enlargement during physical examination.

Primary biliary cholangitis

Autoimmune disorder leading to destruction of bile ducts.

Endoscopic variceal ligation

Procedure to treat varices by clipping them off.

Gallbladder polyp

Growth on the gallbladder wall that may require monitoring.

Cholecystography

Diagnostic imaging to visualize the gallbladder.

Pseudocyst

Complication of pancreatitis where fluid-filled sacs form.

Dietary modifications in liver disease

Changes necessary to manage symptoms and liver health.

Immunosuppression

Reduced immune function, often necessary post-transplant.

Fatty liver disease

Condition characterized by excess fat accumulation in liver cells.

Pancreatic cancer

Malignant tumor arising from pancreas often presenting late.

Benign tumors

Noncancerous growths that may require surgical intervention.

Toxic hepatitis

Liver inflammation caused by exposure to toxins.

Microvesicular steatosis

Fatty change in liver cells on a microscopic level.

Cardiovascular complications of liver disease

Issues like fluid overload and hypertension affecting heart function.

Nutritional assessment in liver disease

Evaluation of diet and nutritional deficiencies in patients.

Chemical dependency

Addiction to substances that can severely impact liver health.

Jaundice classification

Hyperbilirubinemia can be pre-hepatic, hepatic, or post-hepatic.

Acute liver failure symptoms

Include jaundice, coagulation disorders, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Blood coagulation disorders

Problems with blood clotting often seen in liver failure.

Fibrinogen

Protein produced by the liver necessary for blood clotting.

Anticoagulation therapy

Used to prevent blood clots, particularly in patients with liver disease.