(Nisha khan, Karachi)
It is the largest gland of the body and the largest organ as well. It is reddish brown in colour and lies behind the diaphragm. It ha two lobes- the right and the left lobe. The left lobe is further divided into two lobes. A pear shaped gall bladder lies on the under surface of the liver. It stores bile secreted by the liver cells. Liver is supplied with oxygen by blood carried to it in the hepatic artery. It also receives all the blood which leaves the wall of the alimentary canal by hepatic portal vein. FUNCTIONS OF LIVER:- Liver is a homeostatic organ and performs various functions: (1) RBCs formation in embryo and their destruction in the adult. (2) Blood plasma protein, fibrinogen, prothsombin and albumen formation. (3) Storage of blood up to 1.5 liter in the liver veins. (4) Heat production. (5) Homeostatic regulation of glucose. (6) Homeostatic regulation of lipids. (7) Homeostatic regulation of proteins. (8) Storage of vitamins A, D and B proteins. (9) Bile juice formation. DISEASES OF LIVER:- There are many kinds of liver diseases. Viruses cause some of them, like hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Others can be the result of drugs, poisons or drinking too much alcohol. If the liver forms scar tissue because of an illness, it's called cirrhosis. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, can be one sign of liver disease. Like other parts of your body, cancer can affect the liver. You could also inherit a liver disease such as hemochromatosis. SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS:- Some people who have hepatitis have no symptoms. Others may have • Loss of appetite • Nausea and vomiting • Diarrhea • Dark-colored urine and pale bowel movements • Stomach pain • Jaundice, yellowing of skin and eyes DIAGNOSIS OF VIRAL HEPATITIS:- Diagnosis of viral hepatitis is based on symptoms, physical findings as well as blood tests for liver enzymes, viral antibodies, and viral genetic materials.
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