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− | ==Introduction== | + | {{frontpage |
− | | + | |pagetitle =Liver - General Pathology |
− | *The lobed [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is the largest gland in the body | + | |pagebody = *The lobed [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is the largest gland in the body |
| *A healthy [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is dark reddish-brown in colour with a smooth rubbery texture | | *A healthy [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is dark reddish-brown in colour with a smooth rubbery texture |
| *[[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|Liver]] lesions are common because: | | *[[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|Liver]] lesions are common because: |
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| *Although [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] lesions are common, they seldom produce liver failure | | *Although [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] lesions are common, they seldom produce liver failure |
| *Diagnostic value because often indicates the presence and causes of disease in other organs and systems of the body | | *Diagnostic value because often indicates the presence and causes of disease in other organs and systems of the body |
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| + | <categorytree mode=pages>Liver - General Pathology</categorytree> |
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| + | ==[[Liver Failure]]== |
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− | ==Liver failure==
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− | *this results from inadequate [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] function
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− | *occurs even though the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] has a large functional reserve and a high regenerative capacity
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− | ===Causes===
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− | *low liver mass
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− | **the functional reserve is depleted
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− | NB: [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] enzyme levels in blood may not be markedly raised in chronic ongoing [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] damage because there may be few [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] cells remaining to leak enyzmes
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− | *remodelling of the vascular and connective components after damage
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− | **this may lead to inadequate nutritional supply to the hepatocytes, thus reducing their function
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− | *impaired function of one specific or many of its diverse functions
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− | **eg failure of detoxification
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− | ***aldosterone - a failure of its proper inactivation results in hypervolaemia since a feature of this hormone is to cause sodium and hence water rentention
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− | ****this is a factor in the development of ascites
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− | ***oestrogen - a failure of its proper inactivation will result in an accumulation of this hormone with atrophy of the genitals and an enlargement of the breasts in the male
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− | ***plant pigments - failure to detoxify will lead to their accumulation in the tissues and photosenistisation may result if they are photodynamic
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− | **eg metabolic upset
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− | ***the failing [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] is unable to convert ammonia to urea, resulting in a rise in the level of blood ammonia
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− | ***lowered level of plasma albumin contributes to the development of ascites
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| ===Syndromes in liver failure=== | | ===Syndromes in liver failure=== |
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| [[Hepatic Stellate Cells]] | | [[Hepatic Stellate Cells]] |
| + | [[Category:Liver - Pathology]] |