LIVER FUNCTION, DISEASES, TREATMENT





The

liver

is a large, meaty organ that sits on the right side of the belly. The

liver

also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does so, the

liver

secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines. The

liver

also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions.

What does liver look like?

The liver is the largest internal organ of the body and is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and is protected by the lower right ribs. It also extends across the midline toward the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. Should it become enlarged, the liver will grow further across the upper abdomen and down towards the navel.

The liver is divided into two lobes and has a rich blood supply obtained from two sources; 1 {the portal vein delivers blood from the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestine) and spleen, and 2} the hepatic artery supplies blood from the heart.

The biliary tree describes a system of tubes that collect bile, used to help digest food, and drains it into the gallbladder or the intestine. Intrahepatic ducts are located inside the liver while extrahepatic ducts are located outside the liver.

The liver's main job is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does so, the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines.

Primary functions of the liver

1. Bile production and excretion.

2.Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

3.Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs.

4.Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.

5.Enzyme activation.

6.Synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin, and clotting factors.

7.Blood detoxification and purification.

Liver disease can be inherited (genetic) or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and alcohol use. Obesity is also associated with liver damage. Over time, damage to the liver results in scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms

#Skin and eyes that appear yellowish.

# Abdominal pain and swelling.

# Swelling in the legs and ankles.

# Itchy skin.

# Dark urine color.

# Nausea or vomiting.

Liver cancer first develop in your liver. If cancer starts elsewhere in the body but spreads to the liver, it’s called secondary liver cancer. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. It tends to develop as several small sports of cancer in your liver, though it can also start as a single tumor. Complications of other liver diseases, especially those that aren’t treated, may contribute to the development of liver cancer.

Eat a balanced diet.