The liver is an important part of the human body, and is involved in many of the body's functions. Located in the abdomen, the liver regulates blood sugar levels and detoxifies the blood. However, when too many toxins are introduced into a person's system, it can result in damage to the liver and disrupt normal function.
Anatomy
According to Mama's Health, the human liver is "the largest glandular organ in the body." When isolated, it weighs 3 lbs. and is reddish brown in color. The structure of the human liver is four lobes: each of the lobes are a different size and shape. According to Mama's Health, the human liver is located underneath a person's diaphragm, in the right side of the abdominal cavity. The hepatic artery and the portal vein carry blood to the liver; however, the type of blood carried by each is different. For example, the hepatic artery carries oxygenated blood, while the portal vein carries blood with digested food, according to Mama's Health.
Function
The human liver is involved in many functions in the human body, according to Mama's Health. The human liver produces cholesterol, urea and substances that break down fats. The liver also regulates glucose: the liver maintains the level of glucose in a person's blood, and converts glucose into glycogen. In addition, the liver also acts as a storage device, holding vitamins A, D, K and B12. Finally, the human liver also removes substances, like alcohol, from the blood.
Diseases
According to the National Institutes of Health, certain viruses and substances can result in liver disease. Excess alcohol, drugs and poisons can result in the degradation of the liver and affect its normal functions. Certain viruses, like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C can also result in liver damage. Another condition, cirrhosis, is due to scar tissue formed on the liver from an illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, a sign of liver disease is jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin.
