LIVER

• Liver is a large, reddish-brown organ.

• The liver plays important role in metabolism, digestion, detoxification, storage and production.

• Also called kitchen of the body.

• Liver consists of two main lobes, the right lobe (larger) and the left lobe. They are further divided into smaller lobes called lobules.

• Liver also produces bile, a substance necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats.

• Liver is susceptible to various diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, etc.

• Main job is to filter blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to rest of the body.

  # Location:

  • Located on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm.

  • Positioned just below the right lung and above the stomach.

  # Size & Structure:

  • Liver is the largest internal organ in the body.

  • Weighing about 3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) in adults.

  • Reddish-brown in color.

    # Blood Supply:

    • The liver has a dual blood supply.

    • It receives oxygenated blood from the hepatic artery.

    • Also receives nutrient-rich but deoxygenated blood from the hepatic portal vein.

  FUNCTION

  • Liver performs numerous functions, including :

  1. Metabolism :

  A) Carbohydrate metabolism: Where glucose converts into glycogen for storage and can convert glycogen back into glucose when the body needs energy.

  B) Protein metabolism: Liver synthesizes many proteins, including those involved in blood clotting, immune function, and transportation of substances in the blood.

  C) Lipid metabolism: Breaks down lipids (fats), including cholesterol and triglycerides.

  2. Detoxification :

  • The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances:

  • It metabolizes drugs, alcohol, and toxins, converting them into less toxic.

  • The liver filters the blood, removing waste products and toxins from the body.

  3. Bile production:

  • Produces a substance essential for the digestion and absorption of fats.

  • Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed.

  4. Storage and release :

  • Liver stores glycogen, which can be converted back into glucose and released into the bloodstream to maintain blood sugar levels.

  • Liver stores vitamins (A, D, E & K) and minerals.

  5. Nutrient processing :

  • It synthesizes and converts certain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, into their active forms.

  6. Blood regulation :

  • The liver regulates blood clotting factors necessary for the formation of blood clots.

  • It filters and removes old or damaged red blood cells.

  7. Immune function :

  • Liver helps in immune surveillance by removing bacteria, toxins, and other harmful substances from the bloodstream.

  8. Hematological function :

  • Liver participate in blood formation.

  COMMON LIVER CONDTION

• Liver cause various diseases and conditions such as :

  1. Hepatitis:

  • Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C).

  • Other factors are alcohol abuse, toxins, or autoimmune disorders.

  2. Cirrhosis:

  • A condition associated with long-term liver damage.

  • Cirrhosis can impair liver function and lead to complications.

  3. Fatty Liver Disease:

  • Associated with obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, or certain medications.

  4. Liver Cancer:

  • The liver can develop primary cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

  5. Liver Failure:

  • A severe condition where the liver's ability to function properly is significantly impaired, leading to life-threatening complications.

  
  

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Himanshu Paneru’s journey in the world of medical sciences led him to create DOC NOTE MASTER, a platform where education meets expertise. Having earned his Master’s in Medical Microbiology from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, he is dedicated to making medical knowledge more accessible through his writing.