Alterations in Hepatobiliary Function

The Liver and Hepatobiliary System Metabolic Functions of the Liver Carbohydrate, Protein, and Lipid Metabolism Drug and Hormone Metabolism Bile Production and Cholestasis Cholestasis Bilirubin Elimination Tests of Hepatobiliary Function Disorders of the Liver Hepatitis Acute Viral Hepatitis Chronic Hepatitis Intrahepatic Biliary Disorders Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease Cirrhosis, Portal Hypertension, and Liver Failure Cirrhosis Portal Hypertension Liver Failure Cancer of the Liver Disorders of the Gallbladder and Extrahepatic Biliary Ducts Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis Cholelithiasis Acute and Chronic Cholecystitis Choledocholithiasis and Cholangitis Cancer of the Gallbladder Disorders of the Exocrine Pancreas Acute Pancreatitis Chronic Pancreatitis Cancer of the Pancreas T he liver, the gallbladder, and the exocrine pancreas are classified as accessory organs of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to producing digestive secretions, the liver and the pancreas have other important functions. For example, the endocrine pancreas supplies the insulin and glucagon needed in cell metabolism, whereas the liver synthesizes glucose, plasma proteins, and blood clotting factors and is responsible for the degradation and elimination of drugs and hormones, among other functions. This chapter focuses on functions and disorders of the liver, the biliary tract and gallbladder, and the exocrine pancreas.