Pediatric Liver Transplantation Information for Healthcare Professionals

Chapter 1: The Function of the Liver

The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body.  The normal liver is a soft smooth organ that is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, below the diaphragm and extending slightly below the rib cage.  The liver is divided into two lobes that are further divided into segments.  Major blood vessels supply blood to and from the liver and provide nutrients and oxygen to the liver cells.  The liver performs complex metabolic processes, and the bile ducts provide a way for the body to eliminate waste products and deliver digestive aids to the intestine.

The liver cells perform many vital functions.  These Cells:

·         metabolize cholesterol and maintain normal blood glucose levels;

·         produce blood clotting factors, blood proteins and more that 1,000 different enzymes;

·         metabolize and excrete bilirubin, which is derived from the breakdown of red blood cells;

·         remove and detoxify toxins, such as ammonia, drugs and poisons;

·         store starch, vitamins, proteins and fats;

·         regulate several hormones; and

·         fight infection by producing immune factors that remove bacteria from the blood.

A unique feature of the liver is the bile ducts, which transport bile from the liver to the small intestine.  The liver cells produce a yellow-green fluid (bile) that collects in the ducts.  Bile contains bile salts and cholesterol, special substances that help with the breakdown and absorption of fats and vitamins in the intestines.  Bile salts are the body’s detergents and play an important role in the digestion and absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E and K.  Cholesterol is also a necessary aid in fat absorption.

The gallbladder is attached to the liver and stores the bile until it is needed for digestion.  During digestion, the gallbladder contracts and pushes bile through the common bile duct into the intestine.