Liver

Hepar

A large, wedge-shaped organ occupying the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions of the abdomen. It is divided into right and left lobes by the falciform ligament. The porta hepatis on the inferior surface is where the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct enter and exit.

Type Organ
Body System Digestive
Body Region Abdomen
Latin Name Hepar
FMA ID 7197

Function

The largest internal organ, performing over 500 metabolic functions including bile production, detoxification, protein synthesis (albumin, clotting factors), glycogen storage, and drug metabolism.

Clinical Significance

Cirrhosis results from chronic liver disease (alcohol, hepatitis). Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C are major global health concerns. Liver transplantation is performed for end-stage liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Liver?
A large, wedge-shaped organ occupying the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions of the abdomen. It is divided into right and left lobes by the falciform ligament. The porta hepatis on the inferior surface is where the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct enter and exit.
What is the function of the Liver?
The largest internal organ, performing over 500 metabolic functions including bile production, detoxification, protein synthesis (albumin, clotting factors), glycogen storage, and drug metabolism.
What body system is the Liver part of?
The Liver is part of the Digestive.
What conditions affect the Liver?
Cirrhosis results from chronic liver disease (alcohol, hepatitis). Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C are major global health concerns. Liver transplantation is performed for end-stage liver disease.
Where is the Liver located?
The Liver is located in the Abdomen region of the body.

Related Structures

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