Anatomy of liver

                                            Anatomy of liver

The liver is the largest organ in the human body, weighing approximately 3 pounds (1.4 kg) in adults. It is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines.

 

Structure:

Lobes: The liver is divided into four lobes

• Right lobe: This is the largest lobe, accounting for about two-thirds of the liver's mass.
• Left lobe: This is the smaller of the two main lobes.
• Caudate lobe: This is a small lobe located on the posterior surface of the right lobe.
• Quadrate lobe: This is a small lobe located on the inferior surface of the right lobe.

Functions:The liver has many vital functions in the body, including

• Digestion: The liver produces bile, which helps break down fats in the small intestine
• Metabolism: The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins,

and fats. It stores and releases glucose as needed, and it also helps break down and eliminate toxins from the body.

. Immune function: The liver plays a role in the immune system by producing immune cells

and filtering toxins from the blood.

• Blood clotting: The liver produces several proteins that are essential for blood clotting.

Ligaments:he liver is held in place by several ligaments, including

• Falciform ligament: This ligament attaches the liver to the diaphragm.
• Coronary ligament: This ligament surrounds the liver and attaches it to the diaphragm.
• Hepatoduodenal ligament: This ligament attaches the liver to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
• Hepatorenal ligament: This ligament attaches the liver to the right kidney.

Nerves:

The liver is innervated by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nerves control the release of bile and the breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose). The parasympathetic nerves control the storage of glycogen and the production of bile.