Ch. 22 The Digestive System

Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook

Amerman 3rd Edition

Ch. 22 The Digestive System

Problem 13

Chapter 22, Problem 13

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

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.

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

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

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

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Textbook Question

Match the following terms with the correct definition.

__Chief cells

__Parietal cells

__Gastrin

__Pyloric sphincter

__Diffuse neuroendocrine (DNES) cells

__Gastroesophageal sphincter

__Pepsin

__Chyme

a. Hormone that stimulates multiple digestive processes

b. Enzyme that begins protein digestion

c. Produce acid and intrinsic factor

d. Liquid produced as a result of stomach churning

e. Produce pepsinogen

f. Cells in gastric glands that produce hormones

g. Controls passage of bolus from esophagus to stomach

h. Controls passage of stomach contents to duodenum

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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

What are the three folds of the small intestine called? What is their purpose?

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