The Liver
The liver is an organ that is part of the gastrointestinal system [1]. This organ is located on the right side of the abdomen just below the diaphragm and can weigh anywhere between 1200-1600 grams [1]. The primary cells which form the liver are called hepatocytes [1]. These cells are capable of regeneration [1]. Thus, when there has been damage to the liver, it is capable of regrowing itself [1]. There are two lobes to the liver, the right and the left, with the right lobe being larger than the left [1]. The right lobe contains additional structures of the liver that are associated with its function and operation [1]. These are the inferior vena cava, the common bile duct and the porta of liver, which consists of the hepatic portal vein, the hepatic artery and the hepatic duct [1]. The liver is a special organ that receives blood from the arterial and venous system via the hepatic artery and the hepatic portal vein respectively [1]. As a result the liver receives blood loaded with oxygen from the heart and blood lacking oxygen but filled with nutrients absorbed from the intestinal tract [1].
HealthBlogger. (2019). Liver Pain. Retrieved from: https://www.ihealthblogger.com/liver-pain-location-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment/
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American Cancer Society. (2019). Embolization Therapy for Liver Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treating/embolization-therapy.html
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Saikat, R. (2016). In which abdominal quadrant is the liver located? Retrieved from: https://socratic.org/questions/in-which-abdominal-quadrant-is-the-liver-located
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Functions
Bile Production
Roughly 700-1200 ml of bile is secreted daily by the liver [1]. Bile is a yellow-greenish liquid that consists of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes and water [1]. Bile is needed to allow the breakdown and absorption of fat from the small intestine [1]. It also aids in the absorption of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin [1].
Metabolism of nutrients
Metabolism includes the further breakdown of products, or the synthesis of molecules, to allow absorption by cells [1]. Some of the molecules produced by the liver are cholesterol, albumin and glycogen [1]. The liver also performs an important task called metabolic detoxification [1]. Essentially, substances (ex drugs and alcohol) are altered to become less toxic and biologically active [1].
Storage
Several molecules are stored in the liver, these include iron, copper, and vitamins B12, D, A, E and K [1].
References
- Huether. S.E., & McCance, K.L. (2017). Understanding Pathophysiology (6th edition). Brashers, V.L., & Rote, N. S. (Eds.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Image References
Beyer, M. (2018). Aspirin may reduce liver cancer risk. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323297.php