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.

类型 Organ
身体系统 Digestive
身体区域 Abdomen
拉丁名称 Hepar
FMA ID 7197

功能

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

临床意义

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.

常见问题

What are the main functions of the liver?
The liver performs over 500 known functions. Key roles include metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; detoxifying drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products; producing bile for fat digestion; synthesizing plasma proteins including albumin and clotting factors; and storing glycogen, vitamins (A, D, B12), and iron. It is the primary organ of metabolism.
Where is the liver located?
The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above the stomach. It is the largest solid organ in the body, weighing approximately 1,400–1,600 grams in adults. It is covered by a fibrous capsule (Glisson's capsule) and is divided into right and left lobes separated by the falciform ligament.
What is liver cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue, disrupting normal liver architecture and function. Common causes include chronic alcohol use, hepatitis B or C infection, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Complications include portal hypertension, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

相关结构

muscularis mucosa gut muscularis musculature of trunk muscle group of trunk cavity of pharynx cavitas pharyngealis oropharyngeal gland gland of oral part of pharynx oropharynx mesopharynx trunk somite palatoglossal arch anterior pillar of fauces muscular coat of digestive tract muscular layer of digestive tract

医学免责声明

本内容仅供教育和信息目的。不打算作为专业医疗建议、诊断或治疗的替代品。对于您可能对某种医疗状况有的任何问题，请始终寻求医生或其他合格医疗提供者的建议。切勿因在本网站上阅读的内容而忽视专业医疗建议或延迟寻求建议。

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.