The Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Overview

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the anatomy, physiology, and clinical relevance of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Liver

The organ responsible for filtering blood, detoxifying substances, and producing vital proteins including albumin and clotting factors.

Gallbladder

A storage organ for bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

Pancreas

An organ that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin, playing a crucial role in digestion and glucose regulation.

Kupffer Cells

Specialized macrophages in the liver that remove bacteria and debris from blood, helping to prevent infection.

Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Enzymes found in hepatocytes that metabolize drugs and toxins, significant for drug interactions.

Portal Circulation

The venous system through which blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen is filtered by the liver before returning to systemic circulation.

Bilirubin Metabolism

The process in which heme from red blood cells is broken down into bilirubin in the liver, crucial for the excretion of waste products.

Ascites

The accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity often associated with liver disease and portal hypertension.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

A decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease, characterized by confusion and altered levels of consciousness.

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

An enzyme that increases in conditions of bile duct obstruction and cholestasis, important for diagnosing liver and bile duct conditions.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas often caused by gallstones or alcohol use, leading to autodigestion by pancreatic enzymes.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstone obstruction, leading to pain and potential infection.

NPO

Nil Per Os; a medical order for patients to abstain from all food and liquids by mouth, often prior to surgery or procedure.

Jaundice

A yellowing of the skin and eyes resulting from an accumulation of bilirubin, indicative of liver dysfunction.

Synthetic Function Tests

Tests that assess the liver's ability to produce proteins and clotting factors, important in diagnosing liver diseases.

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease marked by scarring and impaired liver function, often resulting from chronic alcohol use or hepatitis.

Portal Hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the portal venous system often resulting from cirrhosis, leading to complications like ascites and varices.