Metabolism and the Many Roles of the Liver

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to liver metabolism and its various roles in the body.

Hepatocytes

The main functional cells of the liver, organized into lobules.

Lobules

Small functional units of the liver, each organized around a central vein.

Sinusoids

Discontinuous capillaries in the liver that allow for the exchange of materials between blood and liver cells.

Portal vein

Vein that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver.

Glucogenesis

The process by which the liver produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Detoxification

The metabolic process of removing toxins from the liver, often involving the breakdown of drugs and alcohol.

Absorptive state

The metabolic state following a meal when the body is digesting food and absorbing nutrients.

Post-absorptive state

The metabolic state when the body relies on stored energy sources for fuel between meals.

Bile

A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats.

Cholesterol synthesis

The process by which the liver produces cholesterol, important for cell membrane structure and hormone production.

Stellate macrophages

Specialized liver cells that help in phagocytizing damaged red blood cells and recycling iron.

Gluconeogenesis

The metabolic pathway that results in the generation of glucose from certain non-carbohydrate precursors.

Krebs cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Albumin

A plasma protein synthesized by the liver that helps maintain osmotic pressure and transport substances.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein that is converted into fibrin in the blood coagulation process, synthesized in the liver.

Angiotensinogen

A hormone precursor synthesized by the liver that is converted to angiotensin, playing a role in blood pressure regulation.

Hepcidin

A hormone produced by the liver that regulates iron homeostasis.

Bilirubin

A waste product from the breakdown of hemoglobin, processed by the liver.

Lipogenesis

The metabolic process through which acetyl-CoA is converted into fatty acids and stored as fat.

Cirrhosis

A late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism.