What are facts about the liver?
The liver is the largest internal organ and performs over 500 essential functions. Here are some facts about the liver:
- Location: The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm.
- Size and weight: The liver is about the size of a football and weighs approximately 3 to 4 pounds in adults.
- Color: The liver is a dark reddish-brown color.
- Structure: The liver is composed of two main lobes, the right and the left lobes. Each lobe is further divided into smaller segments.
- Functions:
- Metabolism: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Storage: The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen. It also stores vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12) and minerals (such as iron and copper).
- Detoxification: The liver helps to detoxify harmful substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and toxins, by breaking them down and removing them from the body.
- Bile production: The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
- Blood clotting: The liver produces proteins that are essential for blood clotting.
- Immune function: The liver plays a role in the immune system by removing bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles from the bloodstream.
- Blood supply: The liver receives its blood supply from the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The hepatic artery supplies oxygen-rich blood, while the portal vein brings blood from the digestive organs, which contains nutrients absorbed from the food we eat.
- Liver damage: Liver damage can occur due to various causes, including excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, viral hepatitis, autoimmune disorders, and genetic diseases. Liver damage can lead to a range of health problems, including liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer.
- Liver regeneration: The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate itself. When liver cells are damaged or lost, new liver cells can grow to replace them. This process is essential for maintaining liver function.