Liver is one of body's largest organ. It is located in the upper right hand side of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. In adults the liver weighs around 3 pounds and is divided by a membrane into two parts -- the right and left lobes. It is reddish brown in colour and has about 13 percent of the total blood of the body in it at any point of time.
3D Medical Animation still showing Liver
Function of the Liver
The main functions of the liver are in the metabolic processes of the body like breaking down or converting substances, making toxins less harmful for the body and eliminating them from the bloodstream and also extracting energy. It receives blood with nutrients from the digestive organs and the many cells of the liver called hepatocytes accept and filter the blood. It is decided in it, which nutrients would be processed, stored, eliminated via stool or go back into the blood. It also stores vitamins and minerals like copper and iron, releasing when required by the body. The fats in the diet are broken down in it either to be stored or released as energy. It manufactures about 800 to 1000 milliliters of bile per day. The bile is transported to the small intestine where it is used to further break down fats. It also breaks down proteins as well as alcohol and any medications we take. It plays a very important role in creating immune system factors that can fight against infection, creating proteins responsible for clotting of the blood and breaking down old and damaged red blood cells. It is an amazing organ and also has the capacity to regenerate.
Liver Disorders
There are plenty of diseases that can affect the liver and its functions. Some diseases can be treated successfully while others may not. The most common liver disorders are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cancer, liver failure, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis. There are over hundred types of liver diseases.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
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