liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals; it has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. The liver is necessary for survival; there is currently no way to compensate for the absence of liver function. This organ plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification.
Structural Overview
The liver is the largest glandular organ with a weight of about 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). It is a reddish brown organ with four lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver is on the right side of the abdominal cavity just below the diaphragm and is connected to two large blood vessels, one called the hepatic artery and one called the portal vein. The hepatic artery carries blood from the aorta whereas the portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine. These blood vessels subdivide into capillaries which then lead to a lobule. Each lobule is made up of thousands of hepatic cells which are the basic metabolic cells.
Liver Anatomy and Function:
What Does the Liver Do?
The liver has many functions. Some of the main functions are:
- Storing vitamins, glucose for energy, and making proteins
- Helping build muscles
- Stopping cuts from bleeding (coagulation)
- Killing germs, helping keep the body healthy (immune system)
- Making bile to help digest foods
- Keeping away pollutants or toxins from hurting the body
- Filtering medications, chemicals, and toxins from the body
- Removing waste products of food breakdown
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