Liver Structure and Function Quiz

Liver Structure and Function

• The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous complex functions.
• Diagrams show the flow of blood through the liver, including the hepatic artery, hepatic portal vein, hepatic veins, and the inferior vena cava.
• The liver receives nutrient-rich, oxygen-poor blood from the hepatic portal vein.
• The liver receives oxygen-rich blood from the hepatic artery.
• The liver processes blood and excretes wastes via bile.

Liver Lobules

• The liver is composed of functional units called lobules.
• Each lobule contains hepatocytes, the primary functional cells of the liver.
• Diagram shows the arrangement of hepatocytes, central vein, portal vein and bile duct within a lobule.
• Hepatocytes perform a variety of metabolic processes.
• Diagram features hepatic venules, hepatic artery and bile ducts.
• The portal triad consists of a branch of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct.

Liver Function Tests

• Liver function tests are used to assess the health of the liver.
• Common tests include aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin (direct and indirect), prothrombin time, and albumin/globulins.
• Elevated levels of certain enzymes can indicate liver damage or dysfunction.
• Bilirubin, both direct and indirect, is a significant indicator of liver function, reflecting the breakdown of hemoglobin and excretion processes.
• Prothrombin time is related to blood clotting and can indicate liver damage.
• Albumin/globulins levels can reflect the liver's protein production capacity.

Liver Functions and Diseases

• The liver performs several crucial functions, including detoxification of harmful substances (drugs, poisons), metabolism of nutrients and blood, and production of proteins crucial for blood clotting.
• The liver produces certain types of proteins that are vital for blood function.
• The liver synthesizes bile, which is critical for fat digestion.
• The liver converts excess glucose to glycogen and plays a major role in maintaining blood glucose levels.
• The liver regulates blood clotting factors.
• The liver plays a crucial role in hormone metabolism.
• The liver removes waste products from the blood.
• Liver diseases can result from various causes, leading to various symptoms such as jaundice.
• Some diseases affect the ability of the liver to function, impacting the body.

Liver Function and its Tests-Specific Details

• AST: Elevated in hepatocellular and obstructive liver diseases, due to cellular damage
• ALT: More specific than AST for evaluating liver function, mostly elevated in cases of hepatocellular diseases such as hepatitis.
• Bilirubin (direct and indirect): Elevated in disorders related to red blood cell breakdown (hemolytic anemia). Direct bilirubin elevation signifies blockage in bile ducts or liver malfunction. Indirect bilirubin signifies red cell damage.
• Alkaline phosphatase: Elevated in cases of intra or extra-hepatic obstructive disorders.
• Prothrombin time: Elevated levels indicate liver damage, impeding the production of clotting factors.
• Albumin/Globulins: Low albumin levels in chronic liver diseases indicate the liver's reduced ability to produce proteins.

Additional Liver Functions

• The liver plays an essential role in removing toxins and waste from the blood.
• The liver produces essential proteins for various bodily functions.
• The liver stores certain vitamins and minerals.
• Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) is a fetal antigen produced by the adult liver in certain conditions like cancer.
• The liver has a role in the production of urea, which is crucial for ammonia detoxification.

Exclusion of Liver Function

• Production of glucagon is not a liver function.

True/False Statements

• Alkaline phosphatase is a good indicator of intra or extrahepatic obstruction (True).