liver

Introduction

The largest gland of the body. It lies beneath the diaphragm on the right.

Function

The liver functions as a metabolic organ.

• synthesis of plasma proteins
• lipid metabolism
• storage of glycogen, vitamins, & minerals
• elimination of catabolites
• elimination of xenobiotics

As an exocrine gland, the liver secretes bile.

Structure

Normal liver weight: 1-2 kg (1/40 of body weight)

Normal liver span:*

• 6-12 cm right mid-clavicular line
• 4-8 cm mid-sternal line

Arterial supply

• hepatic artery

* Receives body nutrients from the intestine via portal vein.

⧼aaushi-heading-venous-drainage⧽

• hepatic vein

Physical examination

* When estimating the size of the liver by percussion:

• a right pleural effusion or consolidated lung may falsely increase the estimate of liver size
• gas in the right colon may produce tympany in the right upper quadrant & falsely decrease the estimate of liversize

More general terms

• hepatobiliary structure

More specific terms

• left triangular ligament of liver
• right triangular ligament of liver

Additional terms

• hepatocyte
• hepatology
• liver cancer; hepatobiliary carcinoma
• liver disease

Component of

• hepatobiliary system