Anatomy and Function of the Liver

These flashcards cover key anatomical features, functions, disease processes, and diagnostic measures related to the liver based on the provided lecture notes.

The liver occupies __, the greater part of the __, and the left hypochondrium as far as the mammillary line.

the right hypochondrium; epigastrium

The primary functions of the liver include of intestinal fat and of waste products.

emulsification; removal

The liver extends several centimeters below the __ in the epigastric region.

xiphoid process

The liver's structure includes segments such as Segment I: __, Segments II and III: __, and Segments IVa and IVb: __.

Caudate lobe; Left superior and inferior lateral segments; Medial segments of the left lobe

The hepatic arteries carry __ blood from the aorta to the liver.

oxygenated

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of __ that is detoxified in the liver.

hemoglobin

Hepatic venous system drains blood from the liver into the __.

inferior vena cava

Chronic active hepatitis usually progresses to __ and liver failure.

cirrhosis

Fatty liver may be caused by obesity, excessive alcohol intake, poorly controlled __, and diabetes.

hyperlipidemia

Liver function tests include measuring __, ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels.

alkaline phosphatase

Budd-Chiari syndrome is characterized by thrombosis of the __ or inferior vena cava.

hepatic veins

The __ ligament runs between the long axis neck of the gallbladder and the main portal vein.

main lobar fissure

The liver goes through __, where dead liver cells are replaced by scar tissue in cirrhosis.

fibrosis

Common causes of portal hypertension include cirrhosis, thrombotic diseases of the inferior and , and constrictive pericarditis.

vena cava; hepatic veins

Viral hepatitis may result from infection by viruses such as __, __, and __.

Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C

The size of the liver should be approximately __ cm in the sagittal plane.

15

Accessory hepatic fissures may occur due to the infolding of __.

peritoneum

The liver extends into the left hypochondrium as far as the __.

mammillary line

One primary function of the liver involves the __ of waste products.

removal

Segments II and III of the liver are also known as the __ and __ lateral segments.

Left superior; inferior

Blood is carried to the liver from the aorta by the hepatic arteries, and this blood is __.

oxygenated

Bilirubin, detoxified in the liver, is a breakdown product of which molecule?

Hemoglobin

The main lobar fissure is located between the long axis neck of the gallbladder and the __.

main portal vein

Thrombotic diseases of the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins are common causes of __.

portal hypertension

The liver receives a dual blood supply from the hepatic arteries and the __.

portal vein

The portal vein typically provides approximately __% of the liver's total blood flow.

75

Elevated levels of which two enzymes in LFTs are primarily indicative of hepatocellular injury?

ALT and AST

The liver produces __, which is essential for the emulsification of dietary fats in the intestine.

bile

The __ ligament is a peritoneal fold that connects the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm, and separates the right and left anatomical lobes.

falciform

A significant metabolic function of the liver is the storage of glucose in the form of __.

glycogen

The liver synthesizes plasma proteins such as __ and clotting factors (e.g., prothrombin, fibrinogen).

albumin

Beyond waste removal, the liver is crucial for the __ of drugs and toxins.

detoxification

Specialized macrophages in the liver sinusoids, known as __ cells, play a role in filtering blood.

Kupffer

Bile produced by the liver is transported to the gallbladder via the __ ducts.

hepatic

The liver's production of bile aids in the digestion and absorption of __ in the small intestine.

fats

In addition to storing glycogen, the liver can produce new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, a process called __.

gluconeogenesis

The liver is a major storage site for fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins __.

A, D, E, K