The second largest organ in your body, playing an integral role in regulating chemical level and balance, earns the name of an unsung hero. The liver is located above the stomach and other organs in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity. The liver is dark reddish brown and weighs about 1.3kg. This organ consists of 2 main lobes, which include many tubes that support the role of the hepatic duct, essentially helping transport bile. Furthermore, the hepatic portal vein supplies rich nutrient blood to the liver, and the hepatic artery supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.
Function
The liver has many functions that keep your body at its full functioning state. While regulating chemical levels, it secretes a solution called bile. Not only does the liver secrete a helpful fluid, but it also produces certain proteins and cholesterol, regulates blood clotting, and processes haemoglobin. The liver is also vital for detoxification and metabolises drugs that are then easier for the body to use, such as alcohol and any drug consumed.
The uniqueness of the liver
Yes, the liver has many different functions, but what makes this organ so special? Well, this organ is the only organ in the body that can regenerate. For example, when other organs get damaged, a scar will form; however, with this incredible ability, the liver will replace the scarred tissue with new cells.
Bile
Bile is a yellowish-green fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the bladder. It consists of bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, and electrolytes. This solution is crucial in digestion and breaks down fats into fatty acids, which are much easier to digest when broken down and absorbed.
Liver disease
Liver problems source from either inherited or from the overconsumption of drugs and alcohol. Consequently, when the liver gets too damaged, it can cause scarring, known as cirrhosis. Due to the frequent process of trying to repair itself, it leaves scar tissue, thus making it very difficult to function properly. And because of this, it is inevitable that this disease is life-threatening. However, it may be reversed in rare cases if diagnosed early enough and treated. Cirrhosis may include symptoms of fatigue, loss of appetite, itchy skin, and yellow discoloration in the eyes and skin.
The liver is an essential part of human anatomy. It secretes many important fluids and substances while maintaining a non-toxic environment. Without the liver, our body wouldn't function at an optimal level. Thus, our liver is definitely an unsung hero organ.
Reference List
British Liver Trust. (n.d.). 5 facts about the liver. [online] Available at: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/5-facts-about-the-liver/#:~:text=When%20other%20organs%20in%20the.
Healthline. (2023). What Is Bile? [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-bile#takeaway.
Hundt, M., Basit, H. and John, S. (2021). Physiology, Bile Secretion. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470209/#:~:text=Bile%20is%20a%20physiological%20aqueous.
Johns Hopkins Medicine (2023). Liver: Anatomy and Functions. [online] Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-anatomy-and-functions.
Mayo Clinic (2023). Cirrhosis - Symptoms and Causes. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351487.
Mayo Clinic (n.d.). Liver problems - Symptoms and causes. [online] Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502#:~:text=The%20liver%20is%20an%20organ.
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