Hepatic

Hepatic refers to anything related to the liver. The term is used in several contexts in medicine to describe structures, conditions, and procedures associated with the liver.

Anatomy

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. It is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm. The liver is divided into two main lobes, which are further divided into segments.

Functions

The liver performs many essential functions, including:

• Metabolism: The liver metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to provide energy and nutrients to the body. It also metabolizes drugs and toxins for elimination from the body.
• Bile production: The liver produces bile, a substance needed for digestion.
• Detoxification: The liver detoxifies harmful substances in the blood.
• Storage: The liver stores vitamins, minerals, and glycogen (a form of stored glucose).

Hepatic diseases

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the liver, including:

• Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infection.
• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, often caused by long-term alcohol abuse or hepatitis.
• Liver cancer: Malignant tumors in the liver.
• Fatty liver disease: Accumulation of fat in the liver cells.
• Liver failure: A severe condition where the liver stops functioning properly.

Hepatic procedures

Several medical procedures are associated with the liver, including:

• Liver biopsy: A procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue for examination under a microscope.
• Liver transplantation: A surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.
• Hepatic resection: A surgical procedure to remove a portion of the liver.

See also

• Hepatology: The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the liver.
• Hepatologist: A doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver.

Hepatic Resources
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