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liver
The largest gland of the body. It lies beneath the diaphragm on the right.
Arterial supply:
- hepatic artery
* Receives body nutrients from the intestine via portal vein.
Venous drainage:
- hepatic vein
Function:
The liver functions as a metabolic organ.
1) synthesis of plasma proteins
2) lipid metabolism
3) storage of glycogen, vitamins, & minerals
4) elimination of catabolites
5) 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:*
1) 6-12 cm right mid-clavicular line
2) 4-8 cm mid-sternal line
Physical examination:
* When estimating the size of the liver by percussion:
1) a right pleural effusion or consolidated lung may falsely increase the estimate of liver size
2) gas in the right colon may produce tympany in the right upper quadrant & falsely decrease the estimate of liversize
Related
hepatocyte
hepatology
liver cancer; hepatobiliary carcinoma
liver disease
Specific
left triangular ligament of liver
right triangular ligament of liver
General
hepatobiliary structure
References
- Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking, 6th edition,
Bates B, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1995, pg 340-343
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
Component-of
hepatobiliary system
Images
images related to liver