Lecture Notes: The Liver and Gallbladder

Overview

• Discussed the liver and gallbladder, focusing on their anatomy, functions, and related medical conditions.

The Liver

• Largest Internal Organ
  • Location: Right side, middle right, right upper quadrant.
  • Color: Reddish-brown.
  • Highly vasculated.
• Lobes of the Liver
  • Four lobes: Right, left, quadrate, and caudate.
  • Right lobe is the largest.
  • Lobes have subparts called lobules containing hepatocytes around a central vein.
• Major Vessels
  • Bile duct, hepatic vein, hepatic portal artery.
  • Hepatic sinusoids form channels for blood flow.
• Functions of the Liver
  • Glycogen production from glucose.
  • Glycogen breakdown to glucose.
  • Fatty acid oxidation.
  • Conversion of non-carbohydrates to glucose.
  • Synthesis of lipoproteins, phospholipids, and cholesterol.
  • Storage of glycogen, iron, vitamins A, D, B12.
  • Deamination of amino acids, formation of urea.
  • Synthesis of plasma proteins, conversion of amino acids.
  • Detoxification, blood reservoir, and bile secretion.
• Liver Regeneration & Transplants
  • Can regenerate from 25-30% remaining.
  • Organ donation importance due to high demand for liver transplants.
  • ELAD (Extracorporeal Liver Assist Device) as temporary support.

The Gallbladder

• Structure
  • Pear-shaped sac on the liver's posterior aspect.
  • Connected via the cystic duct, merging with the common bile duct.
• Bile
  • Yellowish-green secretion.
  • Components: Water, bile salts, bile pigments, cholesterol, electrolytes.
  • Bile salts aid in emulsification of fats.
• Gallstones
  • Formed from excess concentrated bile or inflammation.
  • Can cause severe pain, located in various ducts.
• Gallbladder Disease
  • Symptoms: Pain in right upper quadrant, back, right shoulder, nausea, sweating.
  • Diagnosed with ultrasonography or x-rays.
  • Treatments include cholecystectomy (removal) or endoscopy for stone removal.

Diseases and Conditions

• Cirrhosis
  • Often due to alcohol abuse or chronic Tylenol use.
  • Liver tissue replaced with fatty tissue, leading to liver failure.
• Hepatitis
  • Viral, not treatable with antibiotics.
  • Transmission varies by type (A, B, C).
  • Prevent infection through universal precautions.

Conclusion

• Covered anatomy and functions of the liver and gallbladder, including diseases and medical interventions.
• Importance of liver health and organ donation highlighted.