GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast VivaCast 011 - Liver Physiology,
Mar 5, 2025
Dive into the complexities of liver physiology as Tom and James unravel its key functions, like detoxification and bile production. They explore how the liver manages blood supply and regulates glucose. Bilirubin production and paracetamol metabolism take center stage, revealing why overdose can be harmful. Tips for structuring exam answers and highlighting anatomical details are shared to help listeners ace their assessments. Get ready for a fun and informative discussion that balances science with smart study strategies!
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Liver Is A Multirole Gland
- The liver is a large glandular organ with wide metabolic, synthetic, immunological and detoxifying roles.
- It produces bile, albumin and clotting factors and manages glucose homeostasis.
Unique Dual Blood Supply
- The liver has a dual blood supply from the portal vein and hepatic artery and drains via hepatic veins to the IVC.
- Around 60–75% of blood flow is portal and it supplies half the organ's oxygen demand alongside the hepatic artery.
Bile And Bilirubin Handling
- Hepatocytes produce bile which is stored in the gallbladder and bile salts help digest fats and process haemoglobin breakdown products.
- Unconjugated bilirubin is conjugated in the liver, enters the GI tract, then becomes stercobilin or is reabsorbed.