|
The liver is
an organ only
found in vertebrates which detoxifies various metabolites, synthesizes
proteins and
produces biochemicals necessary
for digestion and
growth. In humans,
it is located in the right
upper quadrant of
the abdomen,
below the diaphragm.
Its other roles in metabolism include
the regulation of glycogen storage,
decomposition of red
blood cells and
the production of hormones.
The liver is an accessory
digestive organ that
produces bile,
a fluid containing cholesterol and bile
acids, and an alkaline compound
which helps the breakdown
of fat. Bile aids in digestion via
the emulsification of lipids.
The gallbladder,
a small pouch that sits just under the
liver, stores bile produced by the liver
which is afterwards moved to the small
intestine to complete digestion. The
liver's highly specialized tissue consisting
of mostly hepatocytes regulates
a wide variety of high-volume
biochemical reactions, including the synthesis and
breakdown of small and complex
molecules, many of which are necessary
for normal vital functions. Estimates
regarding the organ's total number of
functions vary, but textbooks generally
cite it being around 500.
It is not yet known how to compensate
for the absence of liver function in the
long term, although liver
dialysis techniques
can be used in the short term.
Artificial livers are yet to be
developed to promote long-term
replacement in the absence of the liver.
As of 2018, liver
transplantation is
the only option for complete liver
failure.
|
