Liver: Tissue Function

The liver is a reddish-brown organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen just below the diaphragm. It is the largest gland in the body and the largest internal organ. The liver basically develops from endodermal and mesodermal layers. The endodermal layer differentiates into hepatocytes and biliary epithelium, whereas the hepatic mesenchyme is derived from the mesodermal layer.

The liver is divided into four lobes of unequal size: left, right, caudate, and quadrate. The left lobe is further divided by the ligamentum venosum and the ligamentum teres. The falciform ligament is located on the anterior surface of the liver and divides it into the left anatomic lobe and the right anatomic lobe. The gallbladder lies on its posteroinferior surface. Two vessels bring blood to ...