Liver-Anatomy, Diagram, & Functions of Liver

Liver is one of the largest glands found in vertebrates. Several functions are performed by the liver such as chemical production, Carbohydrate Metabolization, Storage of Vitamins and Minerals, Metabolization of Proteins, Filtering of Blood, and many Immunological Functions. In this article, we are going to learn about the position of liver inside human body, structure of liver, functions of liver, the chemicals produced by liver which help in digestion, and some diseases that affect liver.

Liver filters the blood of the whole body and removes toxic substances, chemicals, and bacteria from bloodstream. The liver performs several functions and it is not possible to mention all functions performed by it. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Liver also helps in the extraction of energy, vitamins, and minerals. The liver removes excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose.

What is Liver?

Liver is one of the organs present inside the human body. It is the largest gland present in human body. It performs multiple functions including production of bile juice. Liver is spongy, wedge-shaped, reddish-brown, and about the size of a football. In an adult liver is generally three pounds in weight. The size of liver varies from person to person depending on their height and weight. Liver performs more than hundred of functions.

Position of Liver in Human Body

Liver is located below the lungs in the right upper abdomen. Liver is located on right side of body under the ribs. It is located in upper right part of abdomen. It is beneath the diaphragm and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestine.

Diagram of Liver

The labelled diagram of Liver is shown below:

Structure of Liver

The liver is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines.

• The liver consists of four lobes.
• Four lobes are :the larger right lobe and left lobe, and the smaller caudate lobe and quadrate lobe.
• The left and right lobe are divided by the falciform ligament, which connects the liver to the abdominal wall.
• The liver lobes can be further divided into eight segments, which are made up of thousands of lobules.
• Lobules is microscopic building blocks of the liver.
• Some of important parts of liver are Falciform Ligament, Glisson’s Capsule, Hepatic Portal Vein, Peritoneum, Common Hepatic Duct and Hepatic Artery.
• A layer of fibrous tissue called Glisson’s capsule covers the outside of the liver.
• Peritoneum is a membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Functions of Liver

If we consider in terms of function performed liver is the most important organ in human body. Liver performs hundred of functions. Some important functions of liver are mentioned below:

Filtering of Blood

Liver acts as filter in human body. All blood passes through the liver , and as blood passes through the liver, it breaks down substances, such as prescription or over-the-counter drugs, street drugs, alcohol, and caffeine. Our body naturally produces some harmful chemical toxic materials which also removed when blood passes through liver.

Production of Bile

Bile is a clear yellow or orange fluid produced by liver. Bile juice is helpful in digestion process and helps in absorption of fats in small intestine.

Storage of Vitamins and Minerals

Liver stores significant amount of vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K. It also stores iron and copper. It stores iron in the form of ferritin to form new red blood cells.

Albumin Production

Albumin transports fatty acids and steroids to maintain correct pressure and prevent leakage of blood vessels.

Regulates Blood Clotting

Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces.

Resists Infections

Liver filters the blood and the liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream.

Absorption of Bilirubin

Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of Haemoglobin. The iron released is stored in the liver to make next-generation blood cells.

Diseases Related to Liver

Some of disease which affect liver are mentioned below :

Liver Cancer

It occurs when abnormal cells grew very quickly. Different types of cancer can form in the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the main type of liver cell. Other types of liver cancer, such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are much less common.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the condition of permanent damage of liver. It turns a healthy human liver into scar tissue. Cirrhosis is a progressive condition that worsens as more and more scar tissue develops. Cirrhosis reduces your liver’s ability to produce bile and essential blood proteins.

Hepatitis

Viral infections, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It is the inflammation of the liver caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C. In most cases, it leads to liver failure.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease most often occurs after years of heavy drinking. Over time, scarring and cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes) and mucous membranes turn yellow. This yellow color is caused by a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment. Bile is fluid secreted by the liver. Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells.

Liver cell Adenoma

It is a tumor that doesn’t have cancer. It’s uncommon, but women who take birth control pills for a long time are more prone than other people to develop it. There is very a small chance that the tumor could turn into cancer.

FAQs on Liver

1. What is situs inversus?

Liver is generally located on right side of body under normal conditions , but when it is located on left side of body , then this abnormal condition is called situs inversus.

2. What is function of bile juice?

Bile juice is a clear yellow or orange fluid produced by liver. It helps to break down fats, preparing them for further digestion and absorption.

3. What is Wilson’s disease?

Wilson’s disease makes copper build up in your liver and other organs. It not only affects your liver, but it can cause nerve and psychiatric problems.

4. What is Hepatitis B?

The liver may become inflamed when viral cells invade normal cells. With hepatitis B, the virus enters the body through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Hepatitis B can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).