Heart or liver is the largest solid organ and the largest gland in the human body. The liver is located just below the diaphragm on the right side of the body and has a number of important roles. Classified as part of the digestive system, the liver's role includes detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of chemicals needed for digestion. This article will explain some important points about the liver, including primary role, how the liver regenerates, what happens when the liver is not functioning properly, and how to keep it healthy.
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Some interesting facts about the heart
Hearts classified as a gland.
The liver performs more than 500 roles in the human body.
The only organ that can regenerate.
Is the largest solid organ in the body.
Carbohydrates are broken down and stored as glycogen in the liver.
One important task is to remove toxins from the body.
Alcohol is one of the main causes of disruption of liver function.
Yellow fever and malaria affects the liver.
Albumin is produced in the liver and help prevent blood vessels from 'leakage'.
Heart Structure
Hearts have a reddish-brown color with a chewy texture, located above and to the left abdomen and below the lungs. It weighs between 1.44 to 1.66 kg. Only the skin is the only organ that is heavier and larger. Hearts approximately triangular and consists of two lobes, a larger right lobe and a smaller left lobe.
Blood vessel
Unlike most organs, the liver has two main sources of blood. The first is the portal vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver. Secondly, the hepatic artery which carries oxygenated blood from the heart.
Liver function
As mentioned previously, that the heart has an important role for the body, which are:
Production of bile
Bile helps the small intestine to break down and absorb fat, cholesterol, and some vitamins. Bile consists of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes, and water.
Absorb and metabolize bilirubin
Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin. Iron released from hemoglobin will be stored in the liver or bone marrow, and is used to create the next generation of blood cells.
Help create a blood clotting factor (anticoagulant)
Vitamin K is needed to make certain coagulant, and to absorb vitamin K, bile is essential. Bile is made in the liver. If the liver does not produce enough bile, then the clotting factor can not be produced.
Metabolise fats
Bile breaks down fat to make it more digestible.
Metabolizes carbohydrates
Carbohydrates stored in the liver in which carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and sucked into the bloodstream to maintain normal glucose levels. Carbohydrates are stored as glycogen and released when a quick burst of energy whenever needed.
Storing vitamins and minerals
Liver stores vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. Liver keep a number of these vitamins are saved. Iron of hemoglobin in the form of ferritin is stored in the liver, ready to make red blood cells new. The liver also stores of copper and release it when needed.
Helps metabolize proteins
Bile helps break down protein to make it easy to digest.
Blood filter
Hearts filter and eliminate compounds from the body, including hormones such as estrogen and aldosterone, and the compound from outside the body, such as alcohol or other drugs.
Function Immunology
The liver is part of the mononuclear phagocyte system that contains a large number of immunologically active cells called Kupffer cells; these cells can destroy pathogens that enter the liver through the intestines.
Albumin production
Albumin is the most common protein in blood serum. Albumin transports fatty acids and steroid hormones to help maintain the correct osmotic pressure and prevent 'leakage' of blood vessels.
Synthesis of angiotensinogen
This hormone increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction when 'warned' through the production of renin (an enzyme produced by the kidneys, helps control blood pressure).
Liver Regeneration
Because of the importance of the heart and its function, evolution has ensured that if given the opportunity to struggle, the liver can grow back very quickly. This capability was seen in all vertebrates, from fish to humans. The liver is the only organ visceral with the ability to regenerate.
The liver can regenerate completely during at least 25% of the fixed network. One of the most impressive aspects of this capability is that regrowth (regrow) to the size and capabilities previously achievable without loss of function.
In mice, if two-thirds of the liver removed, within 5-7 days remaining liver tissue can grow back to its original size. In humans, this process takes a little longer, but usually occurs within 8-15 days. Over the next few weeks, a new heart tissue will be reassembled be indistinguishable from the original network.
This regeneration is assisted by a number of compounds, including growth factors and cytokines. Some important compounds in this process appears to be a hepatocyte growth factor, insulin, transforming growth factor-alpha, epidermal growth factor, interleukin-6, and norepinephrine.
Liver Disease
With the organ as complex as the liver, there are many problems that may occur. Just like other organs, the liver works magically. And if it does not work well anymore, then the consequences could be a big problem. Some examples of liver disease:
Fascioliasis
Caused by the invasion of the liver fluke parasite of the genus Fasciola. Fascioliasis is a disease of the tropics; worms can lie dormant in the liver for months or years.
Cirrhosis
Fibrous tissue replaces liver cells (fibrosis). This condition can be caused by a number of factors, including toxins, alcohol and hepatitis. Fibrosis can cause liver failure as a function of the liver cells have been destroyed.
Hepatitis
Caused by viruses, toxins, or autoimmune response. Hepatitis ditandain with inflammation of the liver. In many cases, the liver can heal itself, but the worst-case scenario is liver failure.
Alcoholic liver disease
Excessive alcohol consumption over long periods of time can cause liver damage - scarring and cirrhosis. This is the most common cause of liver disease, especially in western countries.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
PSC is a serious inflammatory disease of the bile ducts. The cause until now not known, but is thought to result from an autoimmune response. In addition, there is no medical therapy has so far proven to overcome this disease.
Fatty liver disease (fatty liver disease)
Usually in conjunction with obesity or alcohol abuse, vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells. This condition is reversible and does not seem to cause too many ill effects.
Gilbert's syndrome
A genetic disorder that affects 3-12% of the population. Bilirubin can not be broken down fairly well. Mild jaundice may occur, but these disorders are not dangerous.
Heart cancer
The most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. The main cause of liver cancer is alcohol and hepatitis. One of the most common forms of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
Maintaining liver health
Here are some recommendations to help maintain a healthy heart to work properly:
Keeping food intake with good
Because the liver is responsible for digesting fat, excess lipids can make it work too hard and disturb him to perform other tasks. In addition, obesity can also cause fatty liver disease. Therefore, keep the food intake patterns well.
Avoiding alcohol
Avoid alcohol as much as possible. Moreover consume alcohol in large quantities can cause liver cirrhosis. Solving alcohol can produce chemicals toxic to the liver, such as acetaldehyde and free radicals.
Guard against chemicals
If you are often dealing with chemicals contained in cleaning products, carpentry, etc., you should use a mask, gloves, long sleeves, and a hat. When working indoors, make sure the room is well ventilated. This is because the liver has the potential to deal with toxins that enter the body related chemicals around you.
Vaccination
If you are at risk of contracting hepatitis or condition you've been infected with any form of viral hepatitis, consult a doctor, if necessary, ask whether you should get the vaccine for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Use medications wisely
Drug consumption only when necessary, in accordance with the recommended dose, or a doctor's advice. Do not mix any medicines, including mixing between herbal supplements, prescription drugs, or drugs.
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