Liver, Gallbladder, and Large Intestine

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to the liver, gallbladder, and large intestine.

Liver

A multifunctional organ that releases bile salts, detoxifies blood, and stores various nutrients.

Hepatic portal vein

Carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract to the liver.

Kupffer cells

Phagocytic cells in the liver that remove old blood cells.

Gluconeogenesis

The metabolic process of converting non-carbohydrate sources into glucose.

Defecation reflex

A physiological response that triggers contraction of the rectum and relaxation of the anal sphincters to expel feces.

Bile salts

Compounds produced by the liver that aid in the digestion of fats.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.

Vascular supply to the liver

The liver receives oxygen-rich blood from the hepatic artery and nutrient-rich blood from the hepatic portal vein.

Hepatocytes

The primary functional cells of the liver that perform various metabolic activities.

Metabolic functions of the liver

Include carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism, detoxification, and storage of vitamins.