scrapasfen.blogg.se - Liver issues symptoms

This unique arrangement enables passage of even large molecules (for example, lipoproteins) through the sinusoidal lining to and from the liver cells (hepatocytes). The sinusoids are situated on each side of single-cell-thick plates of liver cells (hepatocytes), and they have an exceptionally porous lining. This blood joins with the portal vein blood in tiny blood vessels called sinusoids. The hepatic artery supplies blood to nourish the bile ducts and the liver cells (hepatocytes).So, finally, tiny branches of the portal vein and hepatic artery travel in the liver together with the tiny bile ducts in tracts called portal tracts (triads). The hepatic artery brings to the liver oxygenated blood that comes from the lungs, heart, and branches of the aorta. One comes from the portal vein, as already mentioned, and the other from the hepatic artery. The liver has a unique, dual blood supply.These bile ducts join with other bile ducts to form larger bile ducts that ultimately leave the liver. Then, meeting with other canaliculi, they ultimately empty into tiny bile ducts.

The canaliculi are microscopic tubes that transport bile that is produced by the liver cells (hepatocytes).

Specialized areas of the walls of adjacent liver cells (hepatocytes) join to form bile canaliculi (pronounced kan" ah-lik' u-li).

(Moreover, because of these different functions, as well as the different relationships to the flow of blood, the zones have different susceptibilities to injury.) Each zone has its own special functions to perform. Thus, the blood enters zone one first, and then travels through the second and third zones before leaving the liver.

The basic unit of the liver is called an acinus (pronounced as "i-nus: plural acini", there are numerous acini in the liver.) In each acinus, the liver cells (hepatocytes) are grouped into three zones that are anatomically related to the liver's blood supply and drainage.

Four key features of this organization of the liver are as follows. Indeed, because of its numerous biochemical functions, the liver is considered the biochemical factory of the body.įurther, the liver is organized strategically to coordinate its structure, including its blood circulation, with its functions. With this arrangement, the liver can readily process (metabolize) nutrients absorbed from food as well as other contents of the portal blood.

The bile is stored in the gallbladder between meals, and then is discharged into the intestines at mealtime to aid in digestion.įor another example, the liver is appropriately situated in the body to directly receive the blood that comes from the intestines (portal blood). Thus, bile made by the liver travels through these tubes to the gallbladder. For example, in order to carry out its secretory functions, ducts (tubes) closely connect it to the gallbladder and intestines. What Are the Special Features of the Liver?