The liver plays a central role in the metabolic process of the human body and is its largest glandular organ.
This article provides information about the structure and function of this organ. It explains the most common diseases of the liver and their causes. Information on diagnostic procedures rounds off the content.
The liver is mainly located in the right upper abdomen at the level of the costal arch. The diaphragm is located just above it. The underside of the liver has grown together with the diaphragm and moves up and down in rhythm with the breath. The pear-shaped gallbladder is also part of the liver organ system. It is connected to the liver via the bile duct.
The position of the liver © Sebastian Kaulitzki / Fotolia
The liver consists of two large lobes, the left and the right lobe. The left lobe extends into the upper left abdominal cavity. There are also two smaller liver segments. A human liver weighs around one and a half to two kilograms.
The hepatic ligaments provide the organ with the necessary support in the abdominal cavity; the liver is fused to the abdominal wall via the ligaments.
The bile duct connects the liver with the pear-shaped gall bladder. A portal vein leads from the liver to the large intestine.
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The liver is primarily responsible for sugar, fat and protein metabolism. The large intestine extracts glucose from the food pulp and passes it on to the liver via the portal vein. The liver ensures that the blood glucose level remains at a healthy level.
If the glucose level in the blood is too high, the liver stores the sugar in the form of glycogen. If the level is too low, it converts the glycogen back into glucose and makes it available to the body. The hormones insulin and glycagon control these processes.
The liver metabolizes fats into fatty acids and cholesterol. It provides the body with almost all the proteins it needs. These include immunoglobulins, for example.
The liver also produces bile. The gallbladder is a hollow organ and acts as a reservoir for bile. The liver also breaks down toxins and drug residues.
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The liver has an enormous capacity for regeneration. If necessary, for example after an injury, it forms new liver cells. No other human organ is capable of renewing itself to the same extent.
Nevertheless, there are some diseases that require treatment.
The following diseases occur most frequently:
In medicine, liver cirrhosis is coded as K74 according to the ICD-10 guidelines of the World Health Organization. The term cirrhosis goes back to the Greek word kirros and means yellow. Another term is shriveled liver.
The most striking symptom of the disease is jaundice. The skin and eyes turn a yellowish color.
Liver cirrhosis develops over the course of many years to decades and is considered the final stage of all chronic liver diseases. In this phase, the liver is no longer capable of renewing itself. This process is usually triggered by heavy alcohol abuse or hepatitis.
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Fatty liver is more common than liver cirrhosis. In ICD-10, the code K70.0 stands for alcoholic fatty liver and K76.0 for reversible fat deposits.
The disease has the following causes:
A liver tumor is a malignant disease of the liver cells. The number of new cases has doubled in western industrialized nations over the last thirty years. The figures are linked to increasing life expectancy: On average, a patient is 70 years old.
Liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis are considered triggers for hepatocellular carcinoma . Those affected usually do not notice the tumor in the early stages. The first symptoms, such as upper abdominal discomfort or weight loss, only appear as the disease progresses.
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Liver inflammation is usually caused by viruses. These can be hepatitis viruses or a concomitant infection as part of mononucleosis. Alcohol abuse and disorders of sugar and fat metabolism in obesity also play a role. Occasionally, hepatitis occurs as an autoimmune disease.
Those affected feel tired, have little appetite and notice a yellowing of the skin.
The examination begins with a comprehensive medical history. The doctor asks the patient about their symptoms, living conditions and medication, among other things.
This is followed by a blood test. The doctor draws conclusions about possible diseases from the liver values . The most important clues are provided by the values of these four liver enzymes or transaminases:
Liver inflammation is accompanied by increased bilirubin levels. The laboratory examination includes an antibody test to determine the pathogen.
He can then look at the liver using sonography(ultrasound examination) or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The doctor can use these methods to diagnose a fatty liver and liver cirrhosis. A tumor can also be detected.
A cell sample (biopsy) helps to determine the type of tumor. The doctor analyzes the patient's blood for tumor markers.
When treating a fatty liver, the doctor concentrates on the triggers. For example, a change in diet or withdrawal from alcohol and tablets may be on the treatment plan.
Doctors usually treat liver carcinoma with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or liver surgery.
Hepatitis often heals itself. Regular medical check-ups are necessary.
In the case of severe liver damage, for example cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the last chance to save the patient.
The liver is an important and very robust organ.
A balanced diet, little alcohol and sufficient exercise support its performance into old age.
