The liver is a vital organ in the human body and performs numerous essential metabolic functions. The liver is located in the upper right abdomen, directly below the diaphragm, and is the body’s largest gland. Anatomically, the liver is a complex organ composed of liver lobes, lobules, and specialized liver cells called hepatocytes.
Nutrient-rich blood flows from the intestines to the liver via the portal vein, where the nutrients are further processed. The liver produces bile, which travels through the bile duct to the gallbladder and the intestines. At the same time, the liver stores important substances such as vitamins, glycogen, and fats. Due to its central role, the liver is susceptible to diseases such as fatty liver or cirrhosis, especially with excessive alcohol consumption.
The Location of the Liver in the Abdomen
The liver is located primarily in the upper right abdomen, at the level of the rib cage. The diaphragm is situated directly above it. The underside of the liver is fused to the diaphragm and moves up and down in time with breathing. The pear-shaped gallbladder is also part of the liver system. It is connected to the liver via the bile duct.
The location of the liver © Sebastian Kaulitzki / Fotolia
The Structure of the Liver
The liver consists of two large lobes, the left and right lobes. The left lobe extends into the upper left abdomen. In addition, there are two smaller segments of the liver. A human liver weighs about one and a half to two kilograms.
The hepatic ligaments provide the organ with the necessary support within the abdominal cavity; the liver is attached to the abdominal wall via these ligaments.
The bile duct connects the liver to the pear-shaped gallbladder. The portal vein runs from the liver to the large intestine. If you have any problems, you can consult a hepatologist.
The Functions of the Liver
The liver is primarily responsible for carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. The large intestine extracts glucose from the chyme and transports it to the liver via the portal vein. The liver ensures that blood sugar levels remain at a healthy level.
If blood glucose levels are too high, the liver stores the sugar as glycogen. If levels are too low, it converts the glycogen back into glucose and makes it available to the body. The hormones insulin and glucagon regulate these processes.
The liver metabolizes fats into fatty acids and cholesterol. It provides the body with nearly all the proteins it needs, including, for example, immunoglobulins.
In addition, the liver produces bile. The gallbladder is a hollow organ that serves as a storage site for bile. The liver also breaks down toxins and drug residues. Specialists focus on the challenges of metabolism and related diseases.
Liver Diseases, Their Causes, and Symptoms
The liver has an enormous capacity for regeneration. When necessary—for example, after an injury—it forms new liver cells. No other human organ is capable of regenerating to the same extent.
Nevertheless, there are some diseases that require treatment.
The following diseases are the most common:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Fatty liver
- Liver cancer
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Cirrhosis of the liver
In medicine, liver cirrhosis is coded as K74 according to the World Health Organization’s ICD-10 guidelines. The term “cirrhosis” derives from the Greek word “kirros,” meaning “yellow.” Another term for this condition is “shrunken liver.”
The most noticeable symptom of the disease is jaundice. The skin and eyes take on a yellowish hue.
Liver cirrhosis develops over the course of many years to decades and is considered the end stage of all chronic liver diseases. At this stage, the liver is no longer able to regenerate. In most cases, heavy alcohol abuse or hepatitis triggers this process.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is more common than cirrhosis of the liver. In the ICD-10, code K70.0 refers to alcoholic fatty liver, and K76.0 refers to reversible fat deposits.
The condition has the following causes:
- Lipid metabolism disorder
- Alcohol abuse
- Exposure to toxins
- Medications
- Type II diabetes
Liver cancer
A liver tumor is a malignant disease of the liver cells. The number of new cases has doubled in Western industrialized nations over the past thirty years. These figures are linked to rising life expectancy: On average, patients are 70 years old.
Liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis are considered triggers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Those affected usually do not notice the tumor in its early stages. Initial symptoms, such as upper abdominal discomfort or weight loss, do not appear until the disease has progressed. Here you can find specialists in liver cancer.
Hepatitis
Liver inflammation is usually caused by viruses. These can be hepatitis viruses or a secondary infection associated with Pfeiffer’s glandular fever. Alcohol abuse and disorders of sugar and fat metabolism associated with obesity also play a role. In rare cases, hepatitis occurs as an autoimmune disease.
Those affected feel tired, have little appetite, and notice a yellowing of the skin.
Examination Methods and Diagnosis
The examination begins with a comprehensive medical history. Among other things, the doctor asks the patient about their symptoms, lifestyle, and medications.
This is followed by a blood test. The doctor uses liver function test results to draw conclusions about possible diseases. The most important indicators are the levels of these four liver enzymes, or transaminases:
- GOT (glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase)
- GPT (glutamate-pyruvate transaminase)
- Gamma-GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase)
Liver inflammation is associated with elevated bilirubin levels. The laboratory workup includes an antibody test to identify the causative agent.
The doctor can then examine the liver using an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The doctor can use these methods to diagnose fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The doctor can also detect a tumor.
A tissue sample (biopsy) helps determine the type of tumor. The doctor analyzes the patient’s blood for tumor markers.
Treatment of Liver Diseases
When treating fatty liver disease, the doctor focuses on the underlying causes. As a result, the treatment plan may include dietary changes or abstaining from alcohol and certain medications.
Doctors typically treat liver cancer with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or liver surgery.
Hepatitis often resolves on its own. Regular medical checkups are necessary.
In cases of severe liver damage, such as cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the last resort to save the patient.
Conclusion on the Liver
The liver’s functions encompass key metabolic processes and demonstrate just how versatile this organ is. The liver, with its segments, is enclosed in a connective tissue capsule, giving the human liver a distinct structure. The liver is located directly beneath the diaphragm and lies primarily in the upper right abdomen, extending into the upper left abdomen. The human liver weighs about one to two kilograms and is the largest gland; it is also the body’s largest metabolic organ.
The liver is supplied with oxygen-rich blood via the portal vein, and it transports and processes numerous substances. In doing so, the liver stores energy—as it stores nutrients, among other things—while also breaking down toxins and performing vital functions. The liver produces several liters of bile daily and releases it into the duodenum via the bile duct. In addition, the liver absorbs glucose and regulates blood sugar levels, which is also reflected in liver function test results.
Warning signs from the liver are clinically relevant, as a healthy liver is crucial and liver diseases play a major role in internal medicine. The underside of the liver illustrates its close proximity to other organs, as the liver is closely connected to surrounding structures. In cases of severe disease, part of the liver or the entire liver may be surgically removed; however, its ability to regenerate demonstrates just how adaptable liver function is. Overall, it is clear that the liver is an indispensable organ whose importance extends far beyond digestion.
FAQ
What is the function of the liver?
The liver’s function is to regulate metabolism, convert nutrients, and break down toxins. It also produces bile and stores important substances such as glycogen and vitamins.
Where is the liver located in the body?
The liver is located in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm. A small portion of the liver extends into the upper left abdomen.
What diseases can affect the liver?
Typical liver diseases include fatty liver, cirrhosis, and other forms of liver disease. These can result from alcohol consumption or metabolic disorders.
What is the anatomy of the liver?
The anatomy of the liver consists of several liver lobes, lobules, and liver cells. Blood vessels such as the portal vein and the hepatic artery supply the liver with blood.
Why is the liver so important?
The liver plays a central role in metabolism, as it processes nutrients, produces bile, and regulates blood sugar levels. Without the liver’s functions, the human body would not be able to function.
