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Related Concept Videos

Gross Anatomy of the Liver01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Liver

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The liver, the largest gland within the human body, is a firm and reddish-brown organ. This wedge-shaped structure weighs approximately 1.5 kg and occupies a significant portion of the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions. It extends more to the right of the body's midline than to the left.
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The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
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Liver Physiology01:30

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The liver, an essential organ in the human body, performs over 200 vital functions that can be broadly categorized into metabolic, hematological, endocrine regulation, and bile production.
Metabolic Regulation:
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Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
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The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
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Hepatic Portal System01:21

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The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
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Author Spotlight: Harnessing Mouse Eye Chambers for Noninvasive Liver Spheroid Studies
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The liver.

Elijah Trefts1, Maureen Gannon2, David H Wasserman1

  • 1Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37204, USA.

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Summary
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The liver is vital for processing nutrients, regulating blood, and metabolizing lipids and proteins. Understanding liver development and physiology is key to addressing liver failure and developing new therapies.

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Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The liver performs critical physiological functions including macronutrient metabolism, immune support, and drug breakdown.
  • Hepatic functions are essential for energy production, glucose homeostasis, and lipid/protein management.
  • Liver failure is a global health issue, necessitating a deep understanding of liver physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To concisely summarize hepatic functions, particularly macronutrient metabolism.
  • To introduce concepts of liver development, organization, and physiology.
  • To underscore the importance of understanding liver function for pathology and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established physiological and developmental concepts.
  • Synthesis of information on hepatic roles in metabolism.
  • Focus on macronutrient processing, glucose homeostasis, and lipid/protein handling.

Main Results:

  • The liver is central to processing carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins for energy and homeostasis.
  • Hepatic functions include glycogen storage/synthesis, lipid oxidation/secretion, and amino acid/urea metabolism.
  • Liver development involves complex signaling and transcription factor hierarchies.

Conclusions:

  • A foundational understanding of liver development and physiology is crucial for comprehending hepatic functions.
  • This knowledge is imperative for addressing liver pathologies and exploring therapeutic strategies.
  • The liver's multifaceted roles in metabolism and homeostasis are conserved across vertebrates.