ASGE Recognized Industry Associate (ARIA) Training Program OPEN | April 2022-Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas In Health

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The document provides basic information about the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, with a specific focus on the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. <br /><br />The liver is responsible for making digestive enzymes and processing nutrients from the gut. It is smaller than the pancreas. The gallbladder stores bile, which is a vital organ and also produces digestive enzymes. The pancreas has multiple functions, including producing bile and insulin, which is involved in digestion. It also deposits its secretory products through the same opening as the bile duct. <br /><br />In terms of liver anatomy, it is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen and weighs around 3-4 pounds. It has two blood supplies: the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The bile duct, hepatic veins, and portal vein play important roles in its functioning. <br /><br />Moving on to the gallbladder, it stores bile produced by the liver. Bile is released in response to a fatty meal, stimulated by a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK). Its main function is the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins. <br /><br />The liver has various functions, including synthesizing clotting factors, glucose, proteins, and cholesterol. It also acts as a storage site for glucose, vitamins A, D, B12, and K, iron, and copper. Furthermore, the liver breaks down medications, drugs, alcohol, and toxins. <br /><br />In terms of the pancreas, it is a glandular organ approximately 8 inches long. It has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine part produces hormones like insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, which act on other parts of the body. The exocrine part produces and secretes enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It also produces bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid. <br /><br />Overall, this document provides an overview of the basic anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, with a specific focus on the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Asset Subtitle

Ayo Abegunde, MD, MSc, MRCGP, FACP

Keywords

gastrointestinal tract

anatomy

physiology

liver

gallbladder

pancreas

digestive enzymes

bile

hepatic artery

portal vein