Anatomy and Functions of the Liver

Structure and Function

• The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm.
• It is a gland that filters blood coming from the digestive tract, detoxifies chemicals, and aids in metabolism.
• The liver is divided into four lobes: right, left, caudate, and quadrate.

Liver Cells

• Hepatocytes: the main functional cells of the liver, responsible for metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis.
• Cholangiocytes: cells that line the bile ducts and produce bile.
• Kupffer cells: macrophages that remove foreign substances and bacteria from the blood.

Functions

• Detoxification: metabolizes and removes toxins, drugs, and bilirubin from the blood.
• Protein synthesis: produces proteins, such as albumin, clotting factors, and lipoproteins.
• Metabolism: regulates carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism.
• Bile production: produces and secretes bile, which aids in fat digestion and absorption.
• Storage: stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.

Blood Flow

• Hepatic artery: supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.
• Portal vein: carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract to the liver.
• Hepatic veins: drain blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.

Clinical Significance

• Liver disease: can lead to cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure.
• Liver function tests: used to diagnose liver disease, including ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels.
• Liver transplantation: a treatment option for end-stage liver disease.

Structure and Location

• The liver is situated in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm.
• It is a gland that filters blood coming from the digestive tract, detoxifies chemicals, and aids in metabolism.
• The liver is divided into four lobes: right, left, caudate, and quadrate.

Types of Liver Cells

• Hepatocytes: main functional cells, responsible for metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis.
• Cholangiocytes: cells that line the bile ducts and produce bile.
• Kupffer cells: macrophages that remove foreign substances and bacteria from the blood.

Functions of the Liver

• Detoxification: metabolizes and removes toxins, drugs, and bilirubin from the blood.
• Protein synthesis: produces proteins, such as albumin, clotting factors, and lipoproteins.
• Metabolism: regulates carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism.
• Bile production: produces and secretes bile, which aids in fat digestion and absorption.
• Storage: stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.

Blood Flow and Circulation

• Hepatic artery: supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.
• Portal vein: carries nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract to the liver.
• Hepatic veins: drain blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.

Clinical Relevance

• Liver disease: can lead to cirrhosis, cancer, and liver failure.
• Liver function tests: used to diagnose liver disease, including ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels.
• Liver transplantation: a treatment option for end-stage liver disease.

Learn about the structure and functions of the liver, its location, and the different types of liver cells. Discover the roles of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes.