The liver is a large organ located in the right upper part of the abdomen just below the diaphragm. It is considered as the largest and heaviest organ in the body, which weighs about 1.4 kg in an average adult. This large organ is divided into several lobes. However, when viewed in front, you will see only two major lobes, the left lobe—the largest lobe of the liver—and the right lobe. The other two lobes are the quadrate lobe and caudate lobe, which are best seen under the liver.
Blood Supply
The liver receives blood from two major sources: the hepatic artery, which carries blood containing oxygen and the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood that contain newly absorbed nutrients from the digestive tract.
Another part of the liver, the gallbladder functions to store the bile formed by the hepatocytes—the liver cells. Bile is needed for the absorption of fats.
Liver Functions
In addition to producing and secreting bile, other important liver functions include
Having a healthy liver can make digestive processes work better. In addition, one's healthy liver can get rid of germs that are present in the blood.
References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH Publication No. 09–6408, February 2009
Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.
Seeley, R., Stephens, T., and Tate, P.: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.5th ed.Mc-Graw-Hills, Inc., 2005
Image Credit: NIDDK Image Library
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Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
Blood Supply
The liver receives blood from two major sources: the hepatic artery, which carries blood containing oxygen and the hepatic portal vein, which carries blood that contain newly absorbed nutrients from the digestive tract.
Another part of the liver, the gallbladder functions to store the bile formed by the hepatocytes—the liver cells. Bile is needed for the absorption of fats.
Liver Functions
In addition to producing and secreting bile, other important liver functions include
Removing harmful chemicals and other substances that might be present in the bloodAbnormalities can occur in the liver. Some of the disease or disorders of the liver include Alagille syndrome, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, hepatitis, porphyria, primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Wilson disease.
Fighting infections
Helping in the digestion of food by producing bile
Storing nutrients and vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E, K, and B12
Storing energy, which is called glycogen. As energy—provided by blood sugar or blood glucose—becomes low, the liver can break down the stored glycogen to produce blood glucose. When blood sugar is high, which normally occurs after a meal, the liver can convert the excess glucose for storage.
Having a healthy liver can make digestive processes work better. In addition, one's healthy liver can get rid of germs that are present in the blood.
References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). NIH Publication No. 09–6408, February 2009
Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.
Seeley, R., Stephens, T., and Tate, P.: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.5th ed.Mc-Graw-Hills, Inc., 2005
Image Credit: NIDDK Image Library
[Top of Page]
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
