Structure of Liver

The liver is a large, vital organ located in the upper right abdomen, just below the diaphragm. It plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes and is responsible for detoxification, storage, synthesis, and secretion of various substances. The structure of the liver is highly organized and consists of several components:

1. Lobes: The liver is divided into two primary lobes, the right lobe and the left lobe. The right lobe is larger than the left lobe and is further divided into smaller functional units called lobules.

1. Lobules: Lobules are the basic functional units of the liver. They are tiny, hexagonal structures that contain hepatocytes (liver cells) arranged in radial patterns around a central vein. Each lobule is approximately 1-2 mm in diameter.

1. Hepatocytes: These are the main functional cells of the liver and constitute about 60-80% of the liver mass. Hepatocytes perform various metabolic functions, including the processing of nutrients, detoxification of harmful substances, and synthesis of proteins and enzymes.

2. Sinusoids: Sinusoids are small blood vessels that run between rows of hepatocytes in the lobules. These blood vessels allow the exchange of nutrients, waste products, and other substances between the hepatocytes and the blood.

3. Portal triad: Each lobule contains a portal triad, which consists of three main components: a branch of the hepatic artery (carrying oxygen-rich blood), a branch of the portal vein (carrying nutrient-rich blood from the digestive organs), and a bile duct (responsible for transporting bile produced by hepatocytes).

4. Bile ducts: Bile, a greenish-yellow fluid produced by hepatocytes, is essential for the digestion of fats. The bile ducts collect bile from the hepatocytes and carry it to the common bile duct, which ultimately delivers it to the gallbladder for storage and secretion into the small intestine during digestion.

5. Gallbladder: The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. It stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver until it is needed during digestion.

6. Connective tissue: The liver is covered by a fibrous capsule called Glisson's capsule, and it contains connective tissue called the stroma, which provides structural support and helps maintain the liver's shape.

The complex structure of the liver enables it to perform numerous critical functions, including metabolism, detoxification, storage of glycogen and vitamins, production of bile, and regulation of various biochemical processes within the body.