Topic 12: Gastrointestinal/ Digestive System 1

• What is the largest internal organ of the human body?

  Liver
• How much does the liver weigh approximately?

  1.5 kg
• In which abdominal regions does the liver span?

  Right hypochondriac, epigastric, left hypochondriac
• How many lobes does the liver have?

  Four lobes
• What are the names of the two larger lobes of the liver?

  Right and left lobes
• What separates the left and right lobes of the liver?

  Falciform ligament
• What are the structural units of the liver called?

  Lobules
• What shape are the anatomical lobules of the liver?

  Hexagonal-shaped
• What is located at the periphery of each lobule?

  Portal triad
• What three structures make up the portal triad?

  Arteriole, venule, bile duct
• What is the smallest functional unit of the liver?

  Acinus
• What surrounds the portal tract in the acinus?

  Zone 1
• What are hepatocytes?

  Main liver cells that are metabolically active
• What are sinusoids in the liver?

  Spaces where blood mixes for oxygenation
• What do Kupffer cells do?

  Ingest foreign particles to protect the liver
• What are canaliculi in the liver?

  Spaces where bile is secreted
• What artery supplies oxygenated blood to the liver?

  Hepatic artery
• What vein supplies blood rich with digestive products to the liver?

  Hepatic portal vein
• What vein removes deoxygenated blood from the liver?

  Hepatic vein
• What is the function of bile?

  Emulsify fats for digestion
• What happens to bile salts in the ileum?

  They are reabsorbed and returned to the liver
• What is the primary function of the gallbladder?

  Concentrate and store bile
• Where is the gallbladder located?

  Right hypochondrial region of the abdomen
• What is the storage capacity of the gallbladder?

  30-50 ml
• What is Hartmann’s Pouch?

  Mucosal fold in the gallbladder neck
• How does the digestive system contribute to homeostasis?

  Maintains equilibrium through digestion and absorption
• What role do bacterial flora play in the intestines?

  Break down food and produce vitamins
• What does the liver manufacture for fat digestion?

  Bile salts
• What does the pancreas produce to neutralize stomach acid?

  Sodium bicarbonate
• What is the primary function of the pancreas as an exocrine organ?

  Releases digestive enzymes into ducts
• What are the main digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas?

  Amylase, lipase, trypsin
• What happens to pancreatic enzymes before they reach the digestive tract?

  They are secreted in inactive form
• What is the sphincter of Oddi?

  Where pancreatic duct joins common bile duct
• How does the digestive system maintain homeostasis?

  By regulating nutrient absorption and digestion
• What changes occur in the digestive system with aging?

  Decreased secretory mechanisms and motility
• What specific changes may occur due to aging in the digestive system?

  Loss of taste, constipation, diverticular diseases
• What is the ninth most common cancer in the UK?

  Pancreatic cancer
• What are some risk factors for pancreatic cancer?

  Smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history
• What is the primary function of the gallbladder?

  Concentrate and store bile
• What is the role of the liver in detoxification?

  Make harmful substances harmless