Digestive System #2

Front 1

What fluid does the liver produce and why is production of this fluid important?

Back 1

produces bile, it breaks down fats into small droplets to assist in their chemical digestion

Front 2

What does bile contain and what is the component?

Back 2

bile salts, bilirubin (breakdown product of blood), and cholestrol

Front 3

lack of bilirubin will show what?

Back 3

jaundice

Front 4

Name the 4 major functions of the liver

Back 4

1. production of bile (which contains bilirubin from when liver breaks down RBC's)
2. detoxification of drugs, metabolites, and poisons (by hepatocytes)
3. Store excess nutrients (typically as glycogen) and vitamins and release them when they are needed
4. Synthesis of blood plasma proteins (clotting proteins, globulins, and albumin) Reticuloendothelial cells, phagocytize worn out blood components and remove debris from blood

Front 5

What cells produce bile, detoxify drugs, store excess nutrients and synthesize blood plasma protiens?

Back 5

hepatocytes

Front 6

What do hepatocytes store?

Back 6

excess nutrients (typically as glycogen) and vitamins and release them when they are needed.

Front 7

what blood plasma proteins do hepatocytes synthesize?

Back 7

albumin, globulins, clotting proteins

Front 8

Because the liver produces proteins associated with clotting blood, what would some visible signs of liver problems in a patient?

Back 8

widespread bruising, fluid accumulation

Front 9

what type of cells phagocytize worn out blood components and remove debris from the blood?

Back 9

reticuloendothelial cells

Front 10

Chronic injury to the liver inevitably leads to what?

Back 10

liver cirrhosis

Front 11

What does liver cirrhosis result from and what does it lead to?

Back 11

hepatocytes have been destroyed and are replaced by fibrous scar tissue.
Leads to hepatic portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the hepatic portal venous system) and bile flow impediments

Front 12

What is chronic hepatitis and how does it relate to ro cirrhosis of the liver?

Back 12

long-term inflammation of the liver that leads to necrosis of liver tissue.

Front 13

list a few Advanced liver cirrhosis complications?

Back 13

jaundice (occurs when the liver an't eliminate enough bilirubin
edema: fluid accumulation in the abdomen develop because of decreased albumin production
toxins in the blood and brain accumulate because the liver can't effectively process them
hepatic portal hypertension can lead to dilated veins of the inferior esophagus

Front 14

Which veins provide an alternative route when portal hepatic portal hypertension exists and what would this condition be due to?

Back 14

esophageal veins (varicosities) will bleed extensively!

Front 15

Why do patients with cirrhosis become chronic G.I. bleeders, and what can result from this?

Back 15

varicose veins that develop for collateral circulation contribute to an increasing amount of blood loss which will then contribute to anemia!

Front 16

what part of liver failure will you forget that this has an affect on?

Back 16

The brain! Because natural toxins are NOT being detoxified