The Human Liver

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Category: Human Anatomy

Published on Saturday, 08 November 2008 14:11

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The liver has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of bile and other enzymes that are necessary for digestion.

This organ plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body, including glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification.

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Blood Flow: The liver receives blood supply from two sources: the hepatic portal vein and hepatic arteries. The hepatic portal vein supplies about three-quarters of the liver's blood supply and carries venous blood drained from the spleen, gastrointestinal tract, and its associated organs. The rest of the liver's blood flow originates from the hepatic arteries that supply arterial blood to the liver. Oxygenated blood is provided from both sources, with approximately half of the liver's oxygen demand is met by the hepatic portal vein, and half is met by the hepatic arteries.

Blood flows through the sinusoids and empties into the central vein of each lobule. Whereas, the central veins coalesce into hepatic veins, which leave the liver and empty into the inferior vena cava.

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