1. Liver Details and Structure
- Location: Upper right quadrant of the abdomen, protected by the rib cage.
- Size/Weight: Roughly the size of a football, weighing between 3 and 5 pounds (approx. 1.5 kg).
- Structure: Consists of two main lobes (right and left), divided into eight segments and thousands of lobules.
- Vascularity: Receives blood from the hepatic artery (oxygenated) and the hepatic portal vein (nutrient-rich).
- Regeneration: The only visceral organ capable of regrowing to original size even if 75% of tissue is removed.
Source: Cleveland Clinic
2. Core Functions and Properties
The liver acts as a primary defense and metabolic hub:
- Detoxification: Filters 250+ gallons of blood daily, breaking down alcohol, drugs, and metabolic waste.
- Bile Production: Produces 800–1,000 ml of bile daily to aid fat digestion.
- Metabolism: Converts carbohydrates into glycogen and maintains blood sugar levels.
- Protein Synthesis: Produces albumin and essential blood clotting factors.
- Storage: Holds Vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, iron, and copper.
- Immune Activity: Kupffer cells remove bacteria and toxins from the bloodstream.
Source: Columbia University Department of Surgery
3. Common Liver Diseases
- Hepatitis: Viral (A, B, C) or alcohol-induced inflammation.
- Fatty Liver Disease: NAFLD (non-alcoholic) and ARLD (alcohol-related).
- Cirrhosis: Chronic scarring and tissue destruction.
- Liver Cancer: Primary or secondary (metastatic) tumors.
- Autoimmune/Genetic: Conditions like Hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease.
Source: Spire Healthcare
4. Symptoms of Liver Damage
Early stages are often asymptomatic. Late-stage signs include:
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Ascites: Fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
- Fatigue: Persistent weakness and general malaise.
- Easy Bruising: Resulting from a lack of clotting factors.
- Excretion Changes: Dark urine and pale-coloured stools.
Source: NHS.uk