Accessory Organs - Tutorial 1

Question 1

Describe the anatomical position of the liver

Answer 1

• Occupies most of the R. hypochondriac and epigastric regions

Question 2

State the seven functions for the liver

Answer 2

1. Bile production
2. Phagocytosis of red blood cells and bacteria
3. Processing nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins)
4. Storage (Fe2+, glycogen, vitamins)
5. Formation of blood components (plasma proteins, clotting factors)
6. Detoxification of alcohol, drugs, converts toxic ammonia to urea
   Heat production

Question 3

Name the two blood vessels that supply the liver & the vein that exits the liver

Answer 3

Hepatic artery - branches from the aorta providing oxygenated blood

Hepatic portal vein - brings nutrient - rich blood into the liver from the stomach, spleen and intestines

The hepatic veins take deoxygenated blood to the inferior vena cava

Question 4

State the function of the stellate reticuloendothelial (Kupffer’s) cells

Answer 4

Remove debris, like bacteria and worn out blood cells, from the blood as it flows past

Question 5

Name the cells that produce bile

Answer 5

Hepatocytes (produce 500 - 1000mLs of bile/day)

Question 6

Name the structure that stores bile

Answer 6

Gallbladder

Question 7

Describe the main function of bile

Answer 7

Neutralise acid from the stomach, emulsification of fat to enable digestion and absorption of lipids and remove waste

Question 8

Describe the anatomical position of the pancreas

Answer 8

Located posterior to the stomach in the epigastric region