LIVER
The liver is the largest and one of the most complex organs in the body. The liver gland lies in the right upper side of the abdomen under the diaphragm and ribs, overlying the upper part of the stomach.
The liver consists of 4 sections or lobes. There are two main lobes: the right lobe, which is the largest and the left lobe. Two smaller lobes lie behind the right lobe. Each lobe is composed of multisided units called lobules. Each lobule consists of a central vein surrounded by tiny liver cells grouped together. These cells perform the work of the liver.
In an average adult male the liver weighs about 1,8 kg; it is smaller in a woman (1,3 kg). The liver is reddish-brown and has a soft, solid texture. It is covered by a tough, fibrous peritoneum. 25% of the total blood supply of the body pass through the liver on the way to the heart each minute.
The liver performs more separate functions than any other organ in the body. Its primary functions are to purify the blood of waists and poisons and to help the body digest and store nutrients.
The liver stores vitamins (except vitamin C), iron, and other minerals until they are required. Liver cells also manufacture proteins and lipids.
Liver cells recycle various substances, such as hemoglobin, that are needed by the body. The liver destroys many poisonous substances that may be absorbed into the body and acts as an organ of excretion. For example, alcohol and drugs are broken down in the liver. Bile, salts and bilirubin are formed and pass into the bile ducts to be excreted into the duodenum or stored in the gall-bladder. Unwanted proteins are destroyed and changed into urea, which is carried to the kidneys and excreted in the urine.
The liver also manufactures proteins that are required for clotting the blood.
All these metabolic processes produce a considerable amount of heat that helps to maintain the body’s normal temperature.
So the liver has many vital duties. It is not surprising that the diseases which impair its functions are serious and sometimes fatal.