The liver is the largest internal organ, located primarily in the upper right abdomen, beneath the rib cage. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient storage. The liver filters blood, produces bile, synthesizes proteins, and regulates blood sugar levels, among many other functions.
Key Functions:
• Blood Filtration: The liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract, removing toxins, drugs, and waste products.
• Bile Production: It produces bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats in the small intestine.
• Metabolism: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Detoxification: It detoxifies harmful substances, converting them into less harmful forms or excreting them through bile or urine.
• Nutrient Storage: The liver stores essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, as well as glucose in the form of glycogen.
• Protein Synthesis: It synthesizes various proteins, including those important for blood clotting.
• Red Blood Cell Breakdown: The liver processes old red blood cells, extracting iron for reuse.
• Regulation of Blood Sugar:
The liver helps maintain stable blood glucose levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed.
Anatomy:
The liver is divided into two main lobes, the right and
left lobes, further divided into smaller segments and lobules.
The lobules are the functional units of the liver, containing hepatocytes (liver cells) and sinusoids (small blood vessels).
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even with adequate rest.
• Nausea and vomiting: Especially if persistent or unexplained.
• Loss of appetite: A decreased desire to eat, which can lead to weight loss.
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without trying to lose weight.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort: Pain or a feeling of fullness in the upper right abdomen.
• More noticeable signs as the condition progresses:
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
• Swelling in the legs and ankles: Fluid retention due to liver damage.
• Itchy skin: Itching that is not relieved by normal measures.
• Dark urine and pale stool: Changes in urine and stool color due to impaired bile flow.
• Easy bruising or bleeding: The liver produces clotting factors, so damage can lead to bleeding problems.
• Swelling in the abdomen: Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).
• Confusion or drowsiness: Advanced liver disease can affect brain function.
• Vomiting blood or black stools: These can indicate serious complications and require immediate attention.