Metabolism and the Many Roles of the Liver

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the functions and anatomy of the liver and its metabolic roles.

Liver

One of the largest body organs, weighing 1.5 kg, involved in various metabolic functions.

Hepatocytes

The main liver cells that make up the liver tissue.

Lobule

A hexagonal unit that organizes liver tissue; there are about 10,000 lobules in a liver.

Central Vein

The heart of the liver lobule that collects blood after processing by liver cells.

Porta Hepatis

The main entry and exit point of vessels and ducts to and from the liver.

Hepatic Portal Vein System

Collects blood from abdominal organs and drains into the liver for filtering and metabolism.

Bile

A fluid containing water, inorganic molecules, bile salts, and bilirubin, produced by the liver.

Gluconeogenesis

The process by which the liver creates new glucose from amino acids or glycogen.

Detoxification

The liver's process of breaking down alcohol, drugs, and toxins to maintain metabolic balance.

Somatomedins

Hormones secreted by the liver in response to growth hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Cirrhosis

End-stage liver disease where scar tissue replaces functional liver tissue.

Stellate macrophages

Specialized liver macrophages involved in recycling old red blood cells.

Thrombopoietin

A hormone produced by the liver that stimulates platelet formation.

Homeostasis

The liver’s role in regulating levels of nutrients in the blood to prevent toxicity.

Hepatic Ligaments

Thin connective tissue structures that anchor the liver in place.

Glucose Storage

The liver's ability to store excess glucose as glycogen post-meals.