AB 1: Liver Anatomy and Physiology

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts related to liver anatomy, physiology, and pathology.

Right Lobe

The larger lobe of the liver, separated from the left lobe by the falciform ligament and main lobar fissure; measured less than 18 cm in midclavicular line.

Falciform Ligament

Suspends the liver from the diaphragm and anterior abdominal wall; separates the right and left lobes.

Portal Venous System

Supplies 70-80% of blood supply to the liver; drains blood from the GI tract, spleen, pancreas, and GB into the liver.

Hepatic Artery

Supplies 20-30% of oxygenated blood to the liver.

Bilirubin

A yellow compound that occurs in the normal catabolism of heme; crucial for digestion and removal of waste products.

Agenesis

A developmental anomaly where an organ, such as the liver, is completely absent.

Cirrhosis

Chronic degenerative disease of the liver characterized by scarring of liver tissue.

Hemochromatosis

A rare disease of iron metabolism characterized by excess iron deposits throughout the body, particularly in the liver.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

The most common primary malignant neoplasm of the liver, often associated with cirrhosis.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome

A rare disorder caused by occlusion of the hepatic veins leading to increased pressure in the portal venous system.

Sonographic Evaluation

An imaging technique used to assess liver structure and functionality, including echogenicity and vascular patterns.

Portal Hypertension

An increase of blood pressure in the portal venous system, often caused by liver cirrhosis.

Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)

A benign liver tumor characterized by a well-circumscribed mass, consisting of normal liver tissue.

Lymphoma

A malignant neoplasm involving lymphocyte proliferation in lymph nodes that can affect the liver.

Malignant Neoplasms

Cancers arising in the liver, including hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic disease, and lymphoma.

Fatty Infiltration

A condition where fat accumulates in hepatocytes, which may lead to liver dysfunction or chronic disease.

TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt)

A procedure to treat portal hypertension by creating a pathway between the portal and systemic venous systems.

Echinococcal Cyst

An infectious cystic disease of the liver caused by the Echinococcus tapeworm, commonly associated with rural areas.

Pyogenic Abscess

A pus-forming abscess in the liver, often resulting from biliary tract disease or trauma.

Alkaline Phosphatase (Alk Phos)

An enzyme produced by the liver, bones, intestines, and placenta; commonly tested in liver function tests.