Chapter 12 review

Cirrhosis (end stage liver disease)

Chronic liver disease that is degenerative and irreversible, often caused by alcoholism

Cholelithiasis

Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts

Jaundice

Liver disease characterized by high levels of bilirubin, leading to yellowing of skin, mucosa, and sclera

Hepatitis A

most benign form of hepatitis spread through the fecal-oral route, common in children and young adults

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver

Esophageal varices

Varicose veins in the esophagus, prone to rupture, often caused by severe cirrhosis

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity due to liver failure or portal hypertension

Hepatitis B

Highly infectious virus, approximately 100 times more infectious than HIV

Gallstones

Formed from bile salts and cholesterol in the gallbladder

Biopsy

Most reliable test for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer diagnosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis

Rare disease that gradually destroys the bile ducts

Idiopathic

Disease or condition with an unknown cause

Hepatic portal system

System of veins transporting blood from the digestive tract to the liver

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis virus commonly spread through water contamination via the fecal-oral route

Albumin

Blood protein produced by the liver, decreased levels lead to fluid leakage into tissues and edema in lower extremities