TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Anatomy of the liver Functions of the liver Component of the liver Histology of the liver Diseases of the liver Maintainance of the liver INTRODUCTION The liver is the largest organ inside the body. It is located behind the ribs in the upper right hand portion of the abdomen. There are over 300 billion specialized cells in the liver that are connected by a well organized system of bile ducts and blood vessels called the biliary system. The liver is responsible for the production of several vital protein components of blood plasma, such as prothrombin, fibrinogen, and albumins. The hepatocytes of the liver are responsible for important metabolic functions that support the cells of the body. Blood return from the digestive system passes through the hepatic portal vein. the liver is responsible for metabolizing carbohydrate, lipids, and proteins into biologically useful materials. Digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into th