Liver

The liver filters the blood coming from the digestive tract. In humans liver is located under the rib cage on the abdomen’s right side below the diaphragm.The structure of liver is such that it facilitates digesting food and removal of toxic substances. The liver disease can be inherited (genetic).

Furthermore, the cause of problems of this organ is due to a variety of factors. Moreover, these factors damage this organ, like obesity, alcohol, and viruses. With the passage of time, negative liver functions may lead to scarring (cirrhosis). Consequently, it may ultimately lead to a life-threatening condition. However, early detection and treatment and save a person. The main job of this organ is to filter the blood that comes from the digestive tract.

Where is the Liver Located ?

The liver location is in the abdominal cavity’s upper right-hand portion. It exists beneath the diaphragm. Moreover, the liver location is top of the intestines, right kidney, and stomach.

The shape of this organ is like a cone. Furthermore, the colour of this organ is dark reddish-brown. Moreover, the weight of this organ is about 3 pounds.

There are two distinct sources that supply blood to this organ. Furthermore, one source is the Oxygenated blood that comes into the hepatic artery. Another source is the nutrient-rich blood that comes in from the hepatic portal vein.

About 13% of the body’s blood supply is in the liver. Furthermore, the structure of liver involves two major lobes. Both the main liver lobes segments involve 1,000 small lobes or lobules.

The connection of the lobules is to the small ducts (tubes). Furthermore, the connection of the small ducts is with larger ducts. Consequently, this results in the formation of the common hepatic duct.

Structure of Liver

This organ involves a total of four lobes. Moreover, these four lobes are the large right lobe, large left lobe, small caudate lobe, and small quadrate lobe.

The division of the left and right lobes takes place by the falciform ligament.  Furthermore, the connection of this organ is to the abdominal wall. Moreover, the further division of the lobes takes place into eight segments,

These segments are made up of thousands of small lobes or lobules. Each lobule has a duct that flows in the direction towards the common hepatic duct. The common hepatic duct drains bile from this organ.

Parts of Liver

Below are  the most significant individual parts pertaining to this organ:

Common Hepatic Duct: This is a tube that carries bile out of this organ.

Falciform Ligament: This is a thin and fibrous ligament that causes the separation of the two lobes.

Glisson’s Capsule: This is a loose connective tissue layer that surrounds the liver and also the ducts or arteries that are in relation to it.

Hepatic Artery: This is the main blood vessel that is responsible for supplying the oxygenated blood to this organ.

Hepatic Portal Vein: This is the blood vessel that is responsible for carrying the blood to this organ. Moreover, this blood is takes from the spleen, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and gallbladder.

Lobes: These refer to the anatomical sections of this organ.

Lobules: These refer to the microscopic building blocks of this organ.

Peritoneum: A membrane that covers this organ and forms the exterior.

Functions of Liver

The regulation of the most chemical levels in the blood takes place by the liver function. Furthermore, due to this, the excretion of a product called bile. This way the waste products are removed from this organ.

The liver function has a profound impact on the body. According to some medical experts, the liver has a whopping more than 500 vital liver functions. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:

• this organ produces bile that carries away waste. Bile also facilitates the breaking down of fats during the process of digestion.
• Production of certain proteins takes place by this organ for blood plasma
• The liver function is to remove bacteria from the bloodstream
• Production of cholesterol and special proteins takes place by this organ carry fats through the body
• Regulation of blood clotting takes place by this organ
• Conversion of excess glucose takes place by this organ into glycogen for the purpose of storage
• this organ balances and makes glucose as per the requirement
• this organ regulates the blood levels of amino acids
• Processing of hemoglobin takes place by this organ for use of its iron content
• Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea takes place by this organ
• Clearing the blood of toxic substances and drugs takes place by this organ
• Clearance of bilirubin takes place by this organ. Furthermore, the accumulation of bilirubin causes the yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Liver Disease

Below are the various problems of this organ in the body:

Hepatitis: A disease that causes inflammation of this organ. Furthermore, its cause is by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C. Moreover, there can also be non-infectious causes of this disease like obesity, allergy, drugs, or alcohol.

Cirrhosis: This is a disease that causes long-term damage to this organ. Furthermore, this disease causes permanent scarring.

Liver cancer: There are various types of liver cancers. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma. This cancer almost always takes place after cirrhosis.

Liver failure: Infections, genetic diseases, and excessive alcohol can cause liver failure.

Gallstones: Sometimes, the gallstone becomes trapped or stuck in the bile duct. Furthermore, this causes hepatitis and bile duct infection (cholangitis).

Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a disease that facilitates the deposition of the iron in this organ. Consequently, this damages the lives and causes various other health problems.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: This is a rare disease with unknown causes that causes inflammation in the bile ducts and scars it.

Primary biliary cirrhosis: This is a rare disorder that destroys slowly the bile ducts in this organ. Permanent scarring may eventually develop.

FAQs on Liver

Question 1: What are the major symptoms of liver disease?

Answer 1: The major symptoms of disease are are as follows:

• Yellowish skin and eyes
• Itchiness in skin
• Pain and swelling in abdominal region
• Darkening of urine colour or paling of stool colour
• Swelling in the ankles and legs region
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic fatigue

Question 2: How is a liver disease diagnosed?

Answer 2: For the diagnosis of disease, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Checking a tissue sample
• Imaging tests like CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI scan
• Blood tests

Question 3: briefly explain the possible treatment for liver disease?

Answer 3: Treatment for the disease of this organ is dependent on a patient’s diagnosis. The treatment of some problems can happen with lifestyle modifications. Other problems may require treatment with surgery or with medications.