Liver Anatomy & Physiology
This is the largest gland in the human body.
What is the liver?
The liver stores excess glucose in this form.
What is glycogen?
Yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera caused by bilirubin buildup.
What is jaundice?
These two enzymes are key indicators of hepatocellular injury.
What are AST and ALT?
First-line diuretic for ascites that blocks aldosterone.
What is spironolactone?
The liver is located in this abdominal quadrant.
What is the right upper quadrant (RUQ)?
The toxic byproduct of protein metabolism that the liver converts into urea.
What is ammonia?
Increased pressure in the portal venous system due to liver scarring.
What is portal hypertension?
This lab value reflects the liver’s ability to produce clotting factors.
What is PT/INR?
This medication reduces serum ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy.
What is lactulose?
This vessel carries nutrient-rich blood from the GI tract to the liver.
What is the portal vein?
This protein made by the liver helps maintain oncotic pressure.
What is albumin?
Fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.
What is ascites?
Elevated levels of this lab are associated with hepatic encephalopathy risk.
What is ammonia?
Dietary restriction essential for patients with ascites.
What is a low-sodium diet?
This artery delivers oxygenated blood to liver tissue.
What is the hepatic artery?
This digestive substance produced by the liver helps break down fats.
What is bile?
Dilated fragile veins in the esophagus that can rupture and bleed.
What are esophageal varices?
This imaging study is the first-line test to evaluate liver structure.
What is ultrasound?
Endoscopic procedure that places bands around varices to stop bleeding.
What is endoscopic variceal ligation (banding)?
After processing, blood exits the liver through these vessels and returns to the heart.
What are the hepatic veins?
When red blood cells break down, the liver processes this pigment for excretion.
What is bilirubin?
Brain dysfunction caused by ammonia and toxin buildup in liver failure.
What is hepatic encephalopathy?
This invasive procedure provides a definitive diagnosis of liver disease.
What is a liver biopsy?
A shunt procedure that reduces portal pressure in refractory ascites or variceal bleeding.
What is TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt)?