What is the significance of the liver location

If there is an accumulation of bilirubin, the skin and eyes turn yellow. When the liver has broken down harmful substances, its by-products are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and leave the body in the form of feces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys, and leave the body in the form of urine.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Liver: Anatomy and Functions Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page Liver Gallbladder and Pancreas Anatomy of the liver The liver 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. Due to these important activities, the liver is exposed to a number of insults and is one of the body's organs most subject to injury.

The biliary system consists of the gallbladder, and the hepatic, cystic, and common bile ducts. The gallbladder is located beneath the right lobe of the liver. The primary function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile. Bile is comprised of bile salts, bilirubin, phospholipids, cholesterol, bicarbonate and water. Bile salts mix with ingested fats to promote absorption of fats from the gastrointestinal tract. Because of the importance of the liver and its functions, evolution has ensured that it can regrow rapidly as long as it is kept healthy.

This ability is seen in all vertebrates from fish to humans. The liver is the only visceral organ that can regenerate. It can regenerate completely, as long as a minimum of 25 percent of the tissue remains. One of the most impressive aspects of this feat is that the liver can regrow to its previous size and ability without any loss of function during the growth process.

In mice, if two-thirds of the liver is removed, the remaining liver tissue can regrow to its original size within 5 to 7 days. In humans, the process takes slightly longer, but regeneration can still occur in 8 to 15 days — an incredible achievement, given the size and complexity of the organ. Over the following few weeks, the new liver tissue becomes indistinguishable from the original tissue. This regeneration is helped by a number of compounds, including growth factors and cytokines.

Some of the most important compounds in the process appear to be:. An organ as complex as the liver can experience a range of problems. A healthy liver functions very efficiently. However, in a diseased or malfunctioning liver, the consequences can be dangerous or even fatal. Fascioliasis: This is caused by the parasitic invasion of a parasitic worm known as a liver fluke, which can lie dormant in the liver for months or even years.

Fascioliasis is considered a tropical disease. Cirrhosis: This sees scar tissue replace liver cells in a process known as fibrosis. This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including toxins, alcohol, and hepatitis.

Eventually, fibrosis can lead to liver failure as the functionality of the liver cells is destroyed. Hepatitis: Hepatitis is the name given to a general infection of the liver, and viruses, toxins, or an autoimmune response can cause it. It is characterized by an inflamed liver. Falciform Ligament : A thin, fibrous ligament that separates the two lobes of the liver and connects it to the abdominal wall. Hepatic Artery : The main blood vessel that supplies the liver with oxygenated blood.

Hepatic Portal Vein : The blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen to the liver. Lobes : The anatomical sections of the liver.

Lobules : Microscopic building blocks of the liver. Peritoneum : A membrane covering the liver that forms the exterior. Maintaining a Healthy Liver The best way to avoid liver disease is to take active steps toward a healthy life.

The following are some recommendations that will help keep the liver functioning as it should: Avoid Illicit Drugs : Illicit drugs are toxins that the liver must filter out.

Taking these drugs can cause long-term damage. Drink Alcohol Moderately : Alcohol must be broken down by the liver. While the liver can moderate amounts, excessive alcohol use can cause damage. Exercise Regularly : A regular exercise routine will help promote general health for every organ, including the liver.