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.
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is...

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:
The liver is the central organ involved in regulating blood composition. It stabilizes blood glucose levels, maintaining them within the range of  70–110 mg/dL. When these levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen reserves and releases glucose into the bloodstream. It can...

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.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...

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.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...

The human stomach is a vital part of the digestive system, performing multiple functions. It is located within the peritoneum, a serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. The stomach plays a central role in processing food substances and interacts with other digestive organs through coordinated digestive processes. The stomach has a characteristic J-shape and is divided into four main regions. The cardia is the first section where the esophagus connects to the stomach and is the entry...

The digestive system is responsible for the ingestion of food, secretion of enzymes, mixing and digesting food, absorption of the nutrients and defecation. The human digestive system consists of two major parts: the gastrointestinal tract and the accessory digestive organs.
Gastrointestinal tract: