APIC223882222 - CME/CMLE - Liver Function-APIC223882222

APIC223882222 - Educational Activity
Pdf Summary
The educational commentary on liver function, provided by Corey Swackhammer, offers a comprehensive review of the liver's anatomy, physiology, and function, highlighting its critical role in maintaining body homeostasis. The liver, the body's second-largest organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, performs multiple vital functions. These include excretion, synthesis, metabolism, and storage of essential biomolecules.<br /><br />### Anatomy and Physiology<br />The liver is divided into a larger right lobe and a smaller left lobe with a dual blood supply from the hepatic artery and the portal vein. It possesses a microscopic structure comprising hepatocytes and functional units such as the hepatic lobule and acinus, which are crucial for its complex functions.<br /><br />### Functions of the Liver<br />#### Digestion and Metabolism<br />1. **Carbohydrate Metabolism**: The liver processes glucose and stores excess as glycogen, which it can later convert back into glucose when needed.<br />2. **Lipid Metabolism**: It processes lipids, repackages them into lipoproteins, and aids in cholesterol homeostasis.<br />3. **Protein Synthesis**: The liver synthesizes essential plasma proteins, including albumin and coagulation factors.<br /><br />#### Drug and Waste Product Metabolism<br />The liver metabolizes drugs, forming therapeutically active or inactive products, and plays a significant role in the clearance of endogenous waste such as ammonia and bilirubin. Bilirubin, a hemoglobin breakdown product, requires liver processing for excretion, and its buildup can lead to conditions like jaundice.<br /><br />### Laboratory Testing and Disease Monitoring<br />Laboratory tests are critical for assessing liver function and diagnosing liver diseases. Key tests include:<br />- **Enzymes**: Elevated levels of enzymes like ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT indicate hepatocellular damage.<br />- **Bilirubin**: Abnormal levels can pinpoint liver dysfunction.<br />- **Protein and Coagulation Tests**: Decreased levels can signal reduced liver function.<br /><br />Proper sample collection and handling are essential to avoid altering test results. By combining laboratory results with patient history and additional diagnostic tests, a clearer clinical picture of liver health can be obtained.<br /><br />### Conclusion<br />The liver's broad functionality in metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification underscores its importance. Laboratory tests support diagnosing and monitoring liver health, aiming for early intervention and better management of liver diseases, enabling the liver’s regenerative functions to sustain its critical roles.
Keywords
liver function
anatomy
physiology
homeostasis
metabolism
drug metabolism
bilirubin
laboratory tests
hepatocellular damage
liver diseases