Alterations of Digestive Function: Clinical Physiology of the Liver and Pancreas

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to liver and pancreas physiology and associated disorders.

Bilirubin

A pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, converted in the liver to conjugated bilirubin.

Albumin

A plasma protein produced by the liver, critical for maintaining plasma oncotic pressure.

Clotting Factors

Proteins produced by the liver that are essential for blood coagulation.

Complement System

A part of the immune system consisting of proteins that opsonize bacteria and facilitate phagocytosis.

Urea

A waste product formed in the liver from the conversion of ammonia, which is excreted in urine.

Glycogen

A stored form of glucose, produced and stored in the liver for energy.

Hepatic Portal System

A system of veins that carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs to the liver.

Portal Hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the hepatic portal system, often due to liver disease.

Hepatocyte

Liver cells responsible for various functions including metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis.

Steatorrhea

The presence of excess fat in the stools, often due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency.

Amylase

An enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates, often measured to assess pancreatic function.

Lipase

An enzyme secreted by the pancreas that breaks down fats.

Pancreatic Duct

The duct through which digestive enzymes flow from the pancreas to the duodenum.

Esophagus

The tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Cirrhosis

A chronic disease of the liver marked by degeneration of cells, inflammation, and fibrous thickening.

Jaundice

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, resulting from high levels of bilirubin.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

A decline in brain function due to severe liver disease, characterized by elevated ammonia levels.

Diarrhea

A condition characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools.

Constipation

A condition characterized by difficult or infrequent defecation.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A digestive disorder where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Ulcerations in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by H. pylori infection.

Crohn's Disease

An inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract, leading to severe diarrhea.

Ulcerative Colitis

An inflammatory bowel disease causing long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.