biliary sytem - ANSA series of channels and ducts that transport bile from the liver into the
small intestine
hepatocytes - ANSliver cells; produce and secrete bile. which flows into bile ducts
jaundice - ANSyellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by an accumulation of
bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood
cholestasis - ANSstoppage of bile flow in the extrahepatic bile ducts; Asst with elevated
bilirubin, GGT, and Alk Phos.
hepatitis - ANSinflammation of the liver, Considered chronic if lasts for more than 6 months.
Fibrosis - ANSincreases collagen deposition due to injury. A precursor to cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis - ANSTransformation of normal liver cells into non-functional scared nodules. The
more cirrhosis and the fewer normal cells exist, the more pressure builds up in the portal
vein. Irreversible!
ascitis - ANSaccumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity
Steatosis - ANSabnormal condition of fat (increased fat at the cellular level often affecting
the liver) Fatty Liver
hepatomegaly - ANSenlargement of the liver
splenomegaly - ANSenlargement of the spleen
Liver (basics) - ANSLargest gland and second largest organ (next to bone marrow); Left and
right lobes subdivided into lobules (the functional unit); lobules contain hepatocytes that
dump their products into the bile ducts and hepatic veins.
Liver structure - ANSHepatic Vascular Structure
Biliary system
Hepatic lobules
Functions of the liver - ANS1. Regulates blood sugar levels
2. Oversees lipid metabolism
3. Manufactures a wide range of serum proteins (like albumin), and various clotting proteins.
4. Stores iron, and vitamins A, D, K and B-12.
5. Destroys and recycles old and damaged RBC's
6. Detoxifies many many metabolic by-products and most drugs.
, 7. Secretes bile for fat breakdown and digestion.
Liver blood testing - ANS1. Detect injury to hepatocytes
2. Determine protein synthesis
3. Measure excretory function.
4. Detect chronic inflammation in the liver, altered immune regulation, viral hepatitis.
5. Tumor Marker
Fatty Liver - ANSa condition in which fats build up in the liver and cannot be broken down.
>5% of liver made up of fat/triglycerides, Can be either alcoholic or non- alcoholic with
ranges from mild steatosis to cirrhosis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - ANS1. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
associated with progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis & liver failure.
2. Usually associated with obesity, DM, hyperlipidemia
3. Biopsy to diagnose extent of disease.
4. Treatment weight loss, control of lipids and diabetes if present
Alcoholic liver dz - ANS1. Chronic inflammation
2. Fatty liver
3. Cirrhosis and liver failure in a small percentage (take 20+ years)
4. Hep C + alcohol is bad combination.
5. Look MCV (red cell size), CDT and HAA
6. Risk factors: Women, Amount of Alcohol, Hep C present, Genetic variable, malnutrition,
drugs/toxins, immunological dysfxn
Cirrhosis Facts - ANSirreversible chronic injury to liver architecture with extensive fibrosis
1. Necroses of parenchyma
2. Diffuse connective tissue proliferation
3. Different degree of nodular parenchymal regeneration
4. Loss/transformed lobular structure.
5. Impaired vascular supply
3 classes of causes for jaundice - ANS1. Pre-hepatic/hemolytic
2. Hepatic
3. Extrahepatic
portal hypertension - ANSthe elevation of blood pressure within the portal venous system
Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) - ANSrenal failure in clients with advanced chronic liver
disease, portal hypertension and ascites
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) - ANS•liver problem, like cirrhosis, can cause hepatic
encephalopathy, which is the occurrence of confusion, altered LOC, and coma as a result of
liver failure.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Qualityexam. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $11.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.