Definition:
The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above the stomach. It is the largest internal organ and gland in the human body and plays a crucial role in various metabolic, detoxification, and regulatory processes.
Parts of the Liver:
- Lobes:
- Right Lobe: The larger lobe, occupying most of the liver’s volume.
- Left Lobe: Smaller and more flattened compared to the right lobe.
- Caudate Lobe: Positioned on the posterior side near the inferior vena cava.
- Quadrate Lobe: Located near the gallbladder.
- Blood Supply:
- Hepatic Artery: Supplies oxygen-rich blood from the heart.
- Portal Vein: Carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs.
- Bile Duct System:
- Hepatic Ducts: Drain bile from the liver.
- Common Bile Duct: Transports bile to the small intestine.
- Microscopic Structure:
- Lobules: Functional units made of hepatocytes (liver cells).
- Sinusoids: Capillary spaces for blood flow within the lobules.
- Kupffer Cells: Specialized macrophages for immune defense.
Functions of the Liver:
- Metabolism:
- Carbohydrate metabolism: Maintains blood glucose levels by storing glycogen and releasing glucose.
- Lipid metabolism: Breaks down fats and produces cholesterol and lipoproteins.
- Protein metabolism: Synthesizes plasma proteins (e.g., albumin) and urea.
- Detoxification:
- Neutralizes toxins, drugs, and metabolic waste products.
- Converts ammonia (toxic) into urea, which is excreted by the kidneys.
- Storage:
- Stores vitamins (A, D, E, K, and B12), iron, and glycogen.
- Digestion:
- Produces bile, which emulsifies fats for digestion in the small intestine.
- Immune Function:
- Kupffer cells in the liver remove bacteria and worn-out blood cells.
- Synthesis and Regulation:
- Produces clotting factors for blood coagulation.
- Regulates hormones and blood composition.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-anatomy-and-functions
Human Body 