Human liver: structure and function

The human liver is responsible for the development of new chemicals and the neutralization of poisons and metabolic products in the human body. These functions are vital.

The location of the liver in humans corresponds to the movement of blood from the intestine, which transfers nutrients. These substances are absorbed from the food intake. Thus, to get back into the lungs and the heart from the stomach blood can after passing a venous system leading to the liver.

Directly above the organ is the diaphragm. The human liver is protected by the lower ribs from damage. In a normal state, you can not feel it. However, against the background of some diseases, there is an increase in the organ, and when you press the stomach it is easily probed.

The structure of the human liver

This organ is the largest in the body. The human liver has a weight of 1.36 to 1.81 kg.

In the organ, two protruding regions are distinguished. The right lobe in the liver is larger and is located in the entire upper part of the corresponding side of the peritoneum. The left side (the smaller part) reaches the center of the left region.

The cells of the organ perform tasks at the microscopic level, thus providing vital processes for life. In medical terminology, they are called "hepatocytes". Their work is connected with the main substances: fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Without these elements, the organism can not exist.

Proteins are very important in connection with their participation in the creation and restoration of cells, the formation of hormones, the production of enzymes.

Carbohydrates are a large class of chemicals. They consist of three atoms: hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Carbohydrates turn into closely related forms of sugar. One of them is glucose, and the second is glycogen. Lack of sugar in the blood has a very negative effect on the functioning of the brain. And its overabundance can persist in the form of glycogen.

Also for the body, fats are important. The human liver turns them into forms suitable for the restoration of adipose tissue, the subcutaneous layer. Moreover, this product is a means of preserving energy.

The vein covers a layer of special cells (Kupferov), performing the task of vacuum purification of blood from bacteria. In addition, they select red red corpuscles and transfer them for processing to hepatocytes.

In the process of transformation, by-products are also produced. In particular, ammonium is a poisonous substance. Hepatic cells neutralize it. At the same time, a safe product - urea - is sent back into the bloodstream. Substances of metabolism of fats and blood are excreted in the form of bile.

To maintain the constant performance of functions and provide energy to tissues in the body requires a stable inflow of glucose. At a low level in the process of splitting carbohydrates and proteins, it is formed more. In view of the rapid consumption of proteins, many tissues switch to use as an alternative source of fat-splitting products. These products are called "ketones".

With a lack of glucose, they are produced and transferred to the liver from adipose tissue. Ketone bodies, standing out in the systemic bloodstream, immediately begin to be used by muscles, the brain, the heart and other tissues as an energy source.

Every day the liver produces about a gallon of bile. This product contains a huge number of chemical components. Bile takes part in the digestion of fats, it is part of the excretory system.

The liver is considered one of the most important organs. In addition, that it participates in metabolic processes, its tasks include filtration and preservation of blood, the formation of bile, and the processes of digestion.