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Ch. 22 The Digestive System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 22 The Digestive SystemProblem 11
Chapter 22, Problem 11

Which of the following best describes the microscopic structure of the liver?
a. Hexagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a central vein with portal triads at each corner
b. Octagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a central artery with portal triads at each corner
c. Irregular groups of hepatocytes surrounding a central vein with bile ducts at each corner
d. Hexagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a portal vein with bile ducts at each corner

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the basic structure of the liver. The liver is organized into functional units called lobules, which are the smallest structural and functional units of the liver.
Step 2: Recall the shape of a liver lobule. Liver lobules are typically hexagonal in shape, meaning they have six sides.
Step 3: Identify the central structure in a liver lobule. At the center of each lobule is a central vein, which collects blood from the lobule and drains it into the hepatic vein.
Step 4: Recognize the structures located at the corners of the hexagonal lobule. At each corner of the lobule, there is a portal triad, which consists of three structures: a branch of the hepatic artery, a branch of the portal vein, and a bile duct.
Step 5: Compare the options provided in the question with the anatomical description of the liver lobule. The correct answer will describe hexagonal plates of hepatocytes surrounding a central vein with portal triads at each corner.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Liver Microscopic Anatomy

The liver's microscopic structure is primarily organized into functional units called lobules. Each lobule is typically hexagonal in shape, consisting of hepatocytes (liver cells) arranged around a central vein. This organization allows for efficient blood flow and metabolic function, with portal triads located at each corner, comprising a branch of the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct.
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Hepatocytes

Hepatocytes are the main functional cells of the liver, responsible for a variety of metabolic processes, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. They are arranged in plates or cords that facilitate the exchange of substances with blood in the sinusoids, which are small blood vessels that run between the hepatocyte plates.

Portal Triad

The portal triad is a structural component found at the corners of liver lobules, consisting of three key elements: a branch of the portal vein, a branch of the hepatic artery, and a bile duct. This triad plays a crucial role in supplying blood to the liver and facilitating bile drainage, essential for the liver's metabolic and excretory functions.
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Textbook Question

Which of the following best describes the role of bile salts in lipid digestion?

a. Bile salts begin chemical digestion of lipids.

b. Bile salts bind to lipids and physically break them apart into monoglycerides and free fatty acids.

c. Bile salts bind to lipids and physically break them apart into smaller pieces.

d. Bile salts interact with pancreatic lipase and catalyze lipid breakdown.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The exocrine cells of the pancreas and salivary glands are islet cells.

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Textbook Question

Trace the pathway that food takes through the entire alimentary canal, from the oral cavity to the anal canal.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements about accessory organ secretions is not true?

a. Hepatocytes produce bile, which drains out of the liver via the common hepatic ducts.

b. Saliva contains secretory IgA and lysozyme, which play an important role in preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity.

c. Pancreatic juice contains digestive enzymes and bicarbonate ions to neutralize the acidic chyme.

d. The gallbladder produces bile, which drains out of the gallbladder via the cystic duct.

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Textbook Question

The primary hormone that triggers the secretion of pancreatic juice and bile is:

a. Gastric inhibitory peptide

b. Cholecystokinin

c. Motilin

d. Somatostatin

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is/are absorbed in the small intestine by the Na+/glucose cotransporter?

a. Glucose

b. Galactose

c. Fructose

d. Both a and b are correct

e. All of the above are correct

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