Some Liver Thoughts – Part 1

• The liver is a large, wedge-shaped organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. It is the largest solid organ in the body and has a unique blood supply that separates it into functional units known as lobes.
• The liver is divided into two main lobes: the right lobe and the left lobe. The right lobe is much larger than the left lobe and accounts for about two-thirds of the liver’s mass. The right lobe is further divided into four smaller lobes: the right lobe proper, the caudate lobe, the quadrate lobe, and the papillary process.
• The left lobe is smaller and is separated from the right lobe by a fibrous tissue called the falciform ligament. The left lobe is divided into two smaller lobes: the medial lobe and the lateral lobe.
• The liver is surrounded by a fibrous capsule that protects and supports it. Inside the liver, there are small structures known as lobules, which are the functional units of the liver. Each lobule contains several liver cells called hepatocytes, which are responsible for most of the liver’s functions.
• Blood flows into the liver through two main sources: the hepatic artery, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart, and the portal vein, which carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system. The blood then flows through small capillaries known as sinusoids, which are surrounded by hepatocytes. The hepatocytes remove toxins and waste products from the blood and produce bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and helps with digestion.
• The liver also has a system of bile ducts that transport bile out of the liver and into the small intestine. The common bile duct connects the liver and the gallbladder to the small intestine, where bile helps to digest fats.

• The weight of an adult liver can vary depending on a person’s age, sex, body weight, and overall health. On average, a healthy adult liver weighs between 1.2 and 1.5 kilograms (2.6 to 3.3 pounds).
• However, the liver can increase or decrease in size due to various factors such as disease, alcohol consumption, and obesity. In severe cases of liver disease, the liver may become enlarged and can weigh more than 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds).

• Detoxification: The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood of harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol, and toxins.
• Immune function: The liver plays a crucial role in the body’s immune system by producing immune cells and removing harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Protein synthesis: The liver produces many essential proteins, including blood clotting factors and albumin.
• Bilirubin excretion: The liver excretes bilirubin, a waste product of red blood cell breakdown, which gives bile its characteristic color.
• Ammonia conversion: The liver converts ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea, which can be excreted by the kidneys.
• Regeneration: The liver has the remarkable ability to regenerate itself, allowing it to recover from damage caused by injury or disease.
• Production
  • Bile: The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats and absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
  • Glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as proteins and fats
• Storage of
  • Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K and minerals like excess Fe.
  • Glycogen, which is a form of glucose that provides the body with energy when needed.
• Regulation of
  • Blood: The liver helps regulate blood flow and pressure by producing enzymes and hormones.
  • Blood glucose levels: The liver helps regulate blood glucose levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed.
  • Cholesterol levels: The liver helps regulate cholesterol levels in the blood by producing and removing cholesterol as needed.
  • Blood pH: The liver helps regulate blood pH by producing and removing acids and bases as needed.Vitamin D activation: The liver plays a role in activating vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
  • Hormones: Levels of hormones in the body, including insulin and sex hormones.
• Metabolism
  • Nutrient metabolism: The liver metabolizes nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to produce energy.
  • Drug metabolism: The liver breaks down toxins and other waste products, converting them into less harmful substances that can be excreted from the body.
  • Fatty acid metabolism: The liver plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, which are important for energy production and cell function.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the main functions of the liver.