Dorothy FarrarLeber
In the human body, the liver fulfills many important functions in metabolic, digestive and detoxification processes. Nevertheless, diseases of the liver initially have non-specific symptoms and are therefore often only noticed at a late stage.
Definition
The liver is the central metabolic organ in the human body and the largest digestive gland. It is also the main detoxification organ and protects the body from toxic substances by breaking it down, is involved in the immune system and in hormone balance . The ancient Greek name for the liver is hepar, from which the term hepatology is derived. Hepatology is the study of the liver or liver diseases.
The weight of the liver is between 1400 and 1800 grams. The liver is a soft organ with a regular structure. She can regenerate exceptionally well. When parts of the organ are surgically removed, they grow back. This makes the liver suitable for living organ donation, since the removed part in the organ recipient, like the part remaining in the organ donor, develops back into a complete liver.
Anatomy
The liver is located on the right side of the upper abdomen, below the diaphragm . Anatomically, it can be divided into two large and two small liver lobes. Of the two large lobes of the liver, the right lobe of the liver (lobus dexter) lies beneath the diaphragm, with which it is partially fused.
The slightly smaller left lobe of the liver (Lobus sinister) extends into the left upper abdomen. The two small lobes of the liver are the square lobe (Lobus quadratus) and the tailed lobe (Lobus caudatus).
Functionally, the liver can also be divided into eight segments. The tissues of the liver lobes are made up of tiny lobules held together by connective tissue . The liver lobules consist mainly of liver epithelial cells called hepatocytes.
The porta hepatis (porta hepatis) is located on the underside of the liver. Various vessels such as the portal vein (Vena portae) and the hepatic artery (Arteria hepatica propria) enter the liver via the porta hepatis, and other vessels such as the bile duct, lymphatic vessels and nerves exit the liver.
The portal vein (Vena portae) carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver. The hepatic artery, on the other hand, transports the oxygen-rich blood that comes from the heart . In total, around 2000 liters of blood are pumped through the liver every day. The liver is fixed in the abdominal cavity by ligaments and is covered by peritoneum.
Function
The most important tasks of the liver include the production of vital proteins , the utilization of food components and the breakdown of metabolic products. In addition, the liver stores vitamins , fats and protein building blocks and synthesizes starting materials for the production of hormones. Nutrients travel from the intestine to the liver via the blood. Here, depending on the body’s needs, they can be released into or removed from the blood by the liver.
The liver is involved in glucose, fat and protein metabolism . For example, it can store excess glucose in the blood as glycogen. If necessary, it breaks down the glycogen back into glucose and makes it available to the body as an energy supplier. With the help of hormones such as insulin , the liver can control the blood sugar level and keep it constant. The liver cells are able to convert sugar into fat and proteins into sugar and release or store them as required by the body.
The proteins formed by the liver include the clotting factors, which are vital for blood clotting in the event of injuries. The liver can make cholesterol , which allows bile to be made and used to break down fat. The liver detoxifies the human body by converting harmful substances. For example, alcohol is broken down into acetic acid by liver enzymes via an intermediate stage.
Diseases
The most common diseases of the liver include fatty liver, hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Fatigue and fatigue can be the first symptoms of liver disease, as can nausea , vomiting and a feeling of pressure in the upper right abdomen.
Only in the advanced course of the disease does the yellowing of the skin, which is characteristic of liver diseases, occur .
In fatty liver, more fat accumulates in the organ. Hepatitis can be caused by viruses or be the result of fatty liver. Metabolic diseases can also trigger hepatitis. Liver cirrhosis is caused by constant stress on the liver.
The connective tissue contained in the liver multiplies and gradually crowds out the liver cells, causing the liver to lose its function.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is often the result of hepatitis B or C infection. Excessive alcohol consumption and obesity can also promote hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.