The liver - created from Mind Map

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Detoxification of alcohol

Blood supply

Functions

Excretion

The Ornitine cycle

Takes place in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the Hepatocytes

Ethanol molecules are small and fat soluble so can pass through the phospholipid bilayer into cells.

1. Ethanol is converted into ethanal by ethanol dehydrogenase.

2. Ethanal is converted into ethanoic acid by ethanal dehydrogenase.

3. Ethanoic acid in converted into Acetlycoenzyme A

Fatty liver---- NAD is required to oxidise fatty acids. If too much alcohol is consumed, there is not enough NAD to do so. As a result, fatty deposits build up in the liver.

Cirrhosis ----- Toxins in alcohol damage the hepatocytes. Damaged hepatocytes are replaces by fibrous tissue. The liver is not able to effectively carry out its function.

Receives oxygenated blood from the hepatic artery which branches off the Arota.

The hepatic portal vein carries blood from the digestive system so that the kidneys can control the levels of compounds ingested.

Blood is carried by the hepatic vein back to the vena cava

Control of blood glucose levels

synthesis of cholesterol and plasma proteins

Detoxification of alochol

The removal of metabolic waste from the body. This is the unwanted substances produced in cell chemical reactions.

Excretion of CO2

Excretion of Nitrogenous compounds

Binds with haemoglobin to from carbaminohaemoglibin. This has a lower affinity for O2.

Dissolves in plasma and combines with H2O to form carbonic acid.

This dissociates into HCO3- and H+.

This increases the acidity of the blood.

Leads to breathing difficulty, headaches, drowsiness, tremors and confusion.

Amino acids cannot be stored so they are Deaminated in the liver. This produces ammonia which is highly toxic. It must be converted into urea.

The remaining Keto acids are respired or turned into a carbohydrate or lipid for storage.

1. Ornitine + NH3 + CO2 ----> Citrulline + H2O

2, Citrulline + NH3 -----> Arginine + H2O

3. Arginine + H2O -----> Urea + Ornithine