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You know how the liver is known as the body’s chemical factory?
The liver, an organ located on the upper right side of the abdomen, is essential for maintaining the body's physiological balance. Not only is it the largest internal organ in the human body, it is also a key site involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions. It is estimated that the number of functions of the liver is about 500, so it is given the title of "body chemical factory".
The main functions of the liver include detoxification, metabolism, protein synthesis, and production of various biochemical substances, which are necessary to promote digestion and growth. In humans, the liver is located under the diaphragm and protected by the right lower ribs, and the specificities of its tissue enable it to mediate a variety of high-volume biochemical reactions.
The liver is an important driver of health and physiological function, helping the body process toxins in food and synthesize essential proteins.
Structure of liver
The liver is dark reddish brown, shaped like a wedge, and has two unequal-sized and unequal-shaped lobes. A normal adult liver weighs about 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) and is about 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide. Although due to individual differences, the standard weight range of a male liver is 970-1860 grams (2.14-4.10 pounds), while that of a female is between 600-1770 grams (1.32-3.90 pounds).
The liver is connected by two major blood vessels: the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The hepatic artery carries nutrient-rich blood, and the portal vein supplies nutrient-rich blood from the digestive tract, spleen, and pancreas. This blood forms tiny sinusoids inside the liver and then flows to the liver lobules.
Microstructure of the liver
On a microscopic level, each liver lobe is made up of millions of liver cells (hepatocytes), and a central vein drains blood through the liver lobules. Each corner of the liver lobule contains a structure called the portal triad, which consists of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct.
Each functional unit of the liver, the liver lobule, is composed of interlaced hepatocytes and blood vessels. These cells are responsible for multiple key processes including drug metabolism, ammonia detoxification, and bile production.
Metabolic function of liver
The liver is the center of many important metabolic processes, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Liver cells synthesize and store glycogen, release glucose according to the body's needs, and convert fat into energy when needed. The liver is also responsible for the metabolism of amino acids and generates a variety of essential proton supplies.
Blood supply to the liver
The blood supply to the liver comes from the portal vein and hepatic artery. The portal vein supplies about 75% of the blood. Venous blood drawn from the digestive tract and spleen enters the liver; the hepatic artery supplies the remaining 25%. This unique dual blood supply system ensures that the liver receives adequate oxygen and nutrients.
Liver diseases and treatment
Because of its diverse functions, the liver is at risk from a variety of diseases, ranging from alcoholic liver disease to hepatitis to cirrhosis. When there are problems with liver function, techniques such as liver dialysis can be used in the short term, but long-term replacement devices or artificial livers have not yet been developed.
Conclusion
The liver’s restorative capabilities and versatility make it an important part of the body that cannot be completely replaced. As medical technology advances, so does our understanding of liver function. In the future, do you have any new ideas on how to further protect and maintain this "chemical factory" of the body?
