Liver - Physiology and Anatomy - Lecture Slides, Slides of Physiology

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Liver

A. The reddish-brown liver, located in the upper

right quadrant of the abdominal cavity, is the body’s largest internal organ.

B. Liver Structure

1. The liver is divided into right and left lobes, and is enclosed by a fibrous capsule.
2. Each lobe is separated into hepatic lobules consisting of hepatic cells radiating from a central vein.

5. Kupffer cells carry on phagocytosis in the liver.
6. Secretions from hepatic cells are collected in bile canals that converge to become hepatic ducts and finally form the common hepatic duct.

C. Liver Functions

1. The liver carries on many diverse functions for the body.
2. The liver is responsible for many metabolic activities, such as the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
3. The liver also stores glycogen, vitamins A, D, and B 12 , iron, and blood.

D. Composition of Bile

1. Bile is a yellowish-green liquid that hepatic cells secrete; it includes water, bile salts, bile pigments, cholesterol, and electrolytes.
2. Bile pigments are breakdown products from red blood cells.
3. Only the bile salts have a digestive function.

E. Gallbladder

1. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac lying on the interior surface of the liver.
2. It is connected to the cystic duct, which joins the hepatic duct; these two ducts merge to form the common bile duct leading to the duodenum.
3. A sphincter muscle controls the release of bile from the common bile duct.

G. Functions of Bile Salts

1. Bile salts emulsify fats into smaller droplets and aid in the absorption of fatty acids, cholesterol, and certain vitamins.