liver

a very important organ of the body, with many functions critical in regulating metabolic processes. The largest GLAND in the body. it occupies the top right-hand part of the abdominal cavity and is made up of four LOBES . It is fastened to the abdominal wall by LIGAMENTS and sits beneath the DIAPHRAGM and on the right KIDNEY , large INTESTINE , DUODENUM and STOMACH . There are two BLOOD VESSELS supplying the liver: the hepatic ARTERY delivers oxygenated blood, while the hepatic PORTAL VEIN conveys digested food from the stomach. Among its functions, the liver converts excess glucose to glycogen for storage as a food reserve; excess amounts of AMINO ACIDS are converted to UREA for excretion by the kidneys; BILE is produced for storage in the GALL BLADDER and LIPOLYSIS occurs; some poisons are broken down (detoxified), hence the beneficial effect of the hepatic portal vein carrying blood to the liver rather than it going around the body first. The liver also synthesizes blood-clotting substances such as FIBRINOGEN and prothrombin and the anticoagulant HEPARIN ; it breaks down red blood cells ( ERYTHROCYTES ) at the end of their life and processes the HAEMOGLOBIN for iron, which is stored; VITAMIN A is synthesized and stored, and it also stores VITAMINS B12 , D , E and K . In the EMBRYO it forms red blood cells. Such is the chemical and biochemical activity of the liver that significant energy is generated, and this organ is a major contributor of heat to the body.