Hepatobiliary System Function and Pathology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the functional anatomy and pathology of the hepatobiliary system, focusing on liver structure, function, and relevant biochemical markers.

Hepatic lobule

The functional unit of the liver, composed of hepatocytes arranged in double rows around a central vein.

Kupffer cells

Phagocytes that line the sinusoids of the liver, responsible for filtering out bacteria and foreign substances from portal circulation.

Bile canaliculi

Ducts found between rows of hepatocytes that receive bile as it is made and eventually empty into the hepatic duct.

Bilirubin

A pigment released when red blood cells and hemoglobin are destroyed; conjugated form is water-soluble and can be excreted in bile.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose that the liver can release to keep blood glucose levels stable.

Phagocytosis

The process by which Kupffer cells destroy bacteria and foreign particles absorbed from the GI tract.

Cirrhosis

A chronic liver disease characterized by the distortion of liver structure due to scar tissue and nodules, leading to liver failure.

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

An enzyme predominantly found in the liver that increases in the blood when liver inflammation or injury occurs.

AST (aspartate aminotransferase)

An enzyme that may be found in other organs, increases in blood indicates liver damage.

Urea

A waste product formed from ammonia in the liver and excreted in urine.