Diagram of Liver

A Diagram of Liver gives us an understanding of the structure and function of the liver. It shows the liver as a reddish-brown, wedge-shaped organ located in the upper right abdomen. The diagram of liver shows that the liver is structurally divided into two main lobes, each further subdivided into smaller lobules. In this article, we will learn about the anatomy and functions of the liver with the help of a liver diagram.

What is Liver?

The liver is the largest gland in the human body and is located in the upper right portion of the stomach. The liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself. The diagram of liver shows two main lobes, the right and left lobes, each further divided into smaller lobes called lobules. It plays an important role in various physiological processes, including metabolism, detoxification, and the production of essential proteins.

The liver receives blood from both the hepatic artery and the portal vein, allowing it to filter and process nutrients, drugs, and toxins. The liver function is to produces bile, which helps in digestion, and stores glycogen for energy regulation.

Diagram of Liver

A simple diagram of liver with labelling is given below:

Diagram of Liver

Anatomy of the Liver

The diagram of liver shows a detailed overview of the anatomy of the liver which is given below:

Lobes and Segments

• The liver comprises two main lobes: the right and left lobes, subdivided into eight segments.
• Each segment consists of approximately 1,000 lobules, which are small liver lobes.
• Liver cells or hepatocytes form hexagonally-shaped lobules within the liver.
• Lobules are connected to small bile ducts that merge into larger ducts, forming the hepatic duct.
• The hepatic duct transports bile produced by liver cells to the gallbladder and duodenum for digestion.

Blood Supply

• The liver receives blood from two sources: the hepatic artery and the portal vein.
• These vessels enter the liver and branch out to supply blood to the hepatocytes within the lobules.
• The hepatic artery brings oxygenated blood from the heart to nourish the liver.
• The portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs, containing absorbed nutrients and substances.

Hepatocytes

• Hepatocytes are the predominant cells in the liver responsible for various metabolic functions.
• They form plates or cords within the lobules and are involved in processes like nutrient processing, detoxification, and protein synthesis.

Biliary System

• Hepatocytes synthesize bile which is transported through bile canaliculi and collected in bile ducts.
• These ducts merge into larger ones, ultimately forming the common bile duct that transports bile to the gallbladder for storage or to the duodenum for digestion.

Functions of the Liver

The diagram of liver shows the detailed structure of the organ. Now let us discuss some of the functions of the liver:

• Detoxification: Hepatocytes in the liver detoxify harmful substances, drugs, and metabolic byproducts. This detoxification process prevents the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream.
• Metabolism: The liver plays a central role in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. It converts glucose into glycogen for storage and releases glucose when needed for energy.
• Bile Production: The liver produces bile, a digestive fluid that emulsifies fats in the small intestine. Bile aids in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins during digestion.
• Storage of Nutrients: The liver stores essential nutrients, including glycogen, vitamins, and minerals. It releases stored nutrients into the bloodstream when needed by the body.
• Bilirubin Processing: The liver processes bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. It excretes bilirubin into bile, and its accumulation can lead to jaundice if not properly processed.
• Synthesis of Proteins: Hepatocytes synthesize various proteins, including blood-clotting factors, albumin, and enzymes. These proteins play crucial roles in blood clotting, fluid balance, and enzymatic reactions.
• Blood Filtration: The liver filters blood from the digestive organs, removing and processing nutrients. It also filters out toxins and harmful substances before the blood reaches the rest of the body.
• Regulation of Cholesterol Levels: The liver regulates cholesterol levels by synthesizing and removing cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Immune Function: Kupffer cells in the liver are involved in the immune response by removing bacteria and foreign particles from the blood. The liver contributes to the body’s overall immune defense.
• Storage of Iron: Iron is stored in the liver and released as needed for the production of red blood cells. This helps regulate iron levels in the body.
• Glycogenolysis: The liver can break down glycogen into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis. This helps maintain blood glucose levels between meals.
• Regeneration: The liver can regenerate damaged tissue, contributing to its resilience and recovery from injury.

Conclusion: Diagram of the Liver

The diagram of liver in human body illustrates the structure of the organ in detail. Liver is the largest solid organ in the human body and is made up of two large sections, the right and left lobes. There are various important liver functions including metabolism, immunity, digestion, and vitamin storage. The liver produces bile, which helps break down fats and carry away waste in the small intestine. The liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself. The simple diagram of liver highlights the structure and anatomical features which helps in our understanding of its functions and relationships with surrounding organs.

FAQs on Diagram of Liver

Where is the Liver on a Diagram?

The liver is located in the upper right side of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. 

What is the Weight of Liver?

The liver is the body’s largest gland, weighing about 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms in an adult human. In adult women, the liver weighs 1200 to 1400 grams, and in adult men, it weighs 1400 to 1500 grams.

Where is Bile Stored?

Bile is stored in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It is connected to the liver by ducts called the biliary tract.

What is Liver Structure and Function?

The liver, a large reddish-brown organ in the upper right abdomen, has a lobular structure and functions to metabolize nutrients, detoxify harmful substances, and produce bile for digestion.

What are the 4 Parts of the Liver?

The liver has four lobes: right, left, caudate, and quadrate. The quadrate lobe is located on the inferior surface of the right lobe.

What is the Structure of the Liver Lobule?

Liver lobules are small divisions of the liver’s tissue. They are hexagonal in shape, with a central vein in the center and portal tracts at the corners.

What is the Structure of the Liver Class 11?

The structure of liver includes lobules composed of hepatocytes, interconnected by blood vessels and bile ducts, facilitating metabolic processes, detoxification, and bile production which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Where can I Find Diagram of Liver Labeled?

You can find a well-labeled diagram of liver at the top of the article.