Liver - An Intro to a Mighty Organ - Anatomy and Structure

Liver - An Intro to a Mighty Organ - Anatomy and Structure

  June 26, 2020    AVisenMD

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Anatomy of Liver

Introduction

Liver is the second LARGEST internal organ, only second to skin. There are MORE THAN 500 vital functions performed by this mighty organ. Given that, obviously, not all the specifics and details would fit in one post for all the readers to absorb at once. And so, I will have a series of posts dedicated only to LIVER HEALTH, covering all topics, that you will be able to have access to (just refer to the LIVER HEALTH label).

Anatomy & Structure

The liver is an organ about the size of a football, weight around 3 pounds. It is located under your ribs over on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances, which we will talk about in upcoming posts in detail.

The liver has two main divisions or lobes (left and right). Each lobe is further divided into eight segments. Each segment has an estimated 1,000 lobules, or small lobes. Each of these lobules has a small tube (duct) that flows toward the common hepatic duct (refer to the diagram at the top). The reddish-brown appearance of this organ is thanks to the amount of blood that is flowing through it at any given point in time - an estimated 13% of body's total blood is present in the liver.

What is Liver Disease and how to define it?

Liver disease can be inherited/genetic, in which case liver problems are apparent during early years of life. Alternatively, liver disease can be also caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity, which tend to surface a little later in life.

Stages of Liver Disease: 1. Liver disease without any symptoms (fatty liver) -> proceeds to -> 2. Liver disease with inflammation and pain (Hepatitis) -> proceeds to -> 3. Reversible scarring (fibrosis) -> proceeds to -> 4. Permanent scarring (cirrhosis; End-stage Liver Disease)

Over some period of time, conditions that damage the liver may remain without any signs or symptoms OR can proceed to the development of liver inflammation (pain and swelling), which can generate symptoms. The stage of prolonged/chronic liver inflammation then leads to next stage of fibrosis (which can be reversed if drastic actions are taken early in time), or continue on the last stage of permanent damage also called scarring or cirrhosis). Cirrhosis ultimately leads to liver failure which can be fatal.

Common signs and symptoms associated with liver disease (will be further explained in detail in upcoming posts):

• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Pale stool color
• Dark urine color
• Tendency to bruise easily
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue/loss of energy/tiredness
  
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Please consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or might be experiencing any signs and symptoms presented above.

Resouruces: www.webmd.com, www.healthline.com.