Liver Functions and Disorders

Liver

The largest internal organ responsible for numerous metabolic functions.

Hepatic artery

Branches from the celiac artery, providing oxygenated blood to the liver.

Hepatic portal vein

Receives deoxygenated blood from mesenteric veins and delivers it to the liver.

Hepatocytes

Functional cells of the liver that perform metabolic processes.

Compensatory hyperplasia

Ability of hepatocytes to regrow damaged or resected liver tissue.

Canaliculi

Channels formed by grooves on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes.

Bile duct system

Combination of canaliculi that transport bile.

Plasma proteins

Synthesized and released by hepatocytes into the bloodstream.

Liver storage

Stores lipids, including vitamin A, iron, glycogen, and vitamins A, D, E, K.

Sinusoids

Small capillaries located between hepatocytes, receiving mixed blood from hepatic artery and portal vein.

Hepatic portal circulation

Unusual circulatory route where hepatic portal vein collects blood from abdominal capillaries and delivers it to the liver.

Portal hypertension

Caused by obstruction of blood flow through the liver, leading to splenomegaly, ascites, and varices.

Splenomegaly

Enlargement of the spleen due to increased pressure in the splenic vein.

Ascites

Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.

Varices

Distended vessels that provide alternative circulation routes due to impaired blood flow through the liver.

Hepatic encephalopathy

Accumulation of toxins, particularly ammonia, leading to changes in behavior and mental status.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes due to accumulation of bilirubin.

Bilirubin

End metabolite resulting from breakdown of heme component of hemoglobin.

Unconjugated bilirubin

Bilirubin that is not soluble in water and requires albumin for transport in blood.

Conjugated bilirubin

Water-soluble bilirubin formed by hepatocytes through conjugation with glucuronic acid.

Extrahepatic obstructive jaundice

Jaundice caused by obstruction of the common bile duct, resulting in elevated conjugated bilirubin levels.

Intrahepatic obstructive jaundice

Jaundice caused by obstruction of small bile channels in the liver and hepatocyte dysfunction, resulting in elevated unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin levels.

Hemolytic jaundice

Jaundice caused by increased hemolysis that exceeds the liver's conjugating ability, resulting in elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels.

Physiologic jaundice of the newborn

Jaundice in neonates due to a combination of enzyme deficiency and increased hemolysis, resulting in elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver disease characterized by hepatocyte damage, inflammation, and fibrosis, leading to impaired liver function.

Alcoholic cirrhosis

Cirrhosis caused by alcohol-induced hepatocyte damage and inflammation, resulting in fatty infiltration, alcoholic hepatitis, and fibrosis.

Viral hepatitis

Infectious liver disease caused by various types of hepatitis viruses.

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

Acute liver disease transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or drinks, leading to mild to severe illness.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Liver disease transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, leading to acute or chronic infection.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Liver disease transmitted through contact with infected blood, primarily through sharing contaminated needles, leading to acute or chronic infection.