Liver spread: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:59, 15 February 2025

Liver[edit]

The liver is a vital organ in the human body, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of proteins. It is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm.

Anatomy[edit]

The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ that weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms in an average adult. It is divided into two main lobes: the right lobe and the left lobe. The right lobe is significantly larger than the left.

Blood Supply[edit]

The liver receives blood from two distinct sources:

The hepatic artery supplies oxygenated blood from the heart.
The portal vein delivers nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract.

Biliary System[edit]

The liver produces bile, a digestive fluid that is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.

Functions[edit]

The liver performs several essential functions, including:

Metabolism: The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Detoxification: It detoxifies various metabolites and drugs, making them easier for the body to excrete.
Protein Synthesis: The liver synthesizes important proteins such as albumin and clotting factors.
Storage: It stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.

Diseases[edit]

The liver can be affected by various diseases, including:

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue, often due to chronic alcohol abuse or hepatitis.
Liver cancer: A malignant tumor that can arise in the liver.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Liver spread''' is a type of [[meat spread]] commonly used in various cuisines worldwide. It is made from the [[liver]] of different animals, most commonly pigs, cows, or chickens. The liver is cooked, ground or pureed, and mixed with various ingredients to create a spreadable paste.
+== Liver ==
-== History ==
+[[File:RenoLiverSpread.jpg|thumb|right|A depiction of liver spread]]
-The use of liver in cooking dates back to ancient times, with evidence of liver consumption found in many early human settlements. The creation of liver spread, however, is believed to have originated in Europe, where it is still a popular food item today.
+The '''liver''' is a vital organ in the human body, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and the synthesis of proteins. It is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm.
-== Preparation ==
+== Anatomy ==
-The preparation of liver spread involves several steps. First, the liver is cooked, often by boiling or sauteing. It is then ground or pureed to create a smooth texture. Other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and various spices, are often added to enhance the flavor. Some versions may also include other types of meat or fat for added richness.
+The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ that weighs approximately 1.5 kilograms in an average adult. It is divided into two main lobes: the right lobe and the left lobe. The right lobe is significantly larger than the left.
-== Uses ==
+=== Blood Supply ===
-Liver spread is often used as a topping for bread or crackers, similar to other types of [[meat spread]]. It can also be used as an ingredient in various dishes, such as pasta sauces or stews. In some regions, it is a traditional component of certain holiday meals.
+The liver receives blood from two distinct sources:
-== Health Benefits and Risks ==
+* The [[hepatic artery]] supplies oxygenated blood from the heart.
+* The [[portal vein]] delivers nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract.
-Liver spread is high in protein and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin A. However, it is also high in cholesterol and should be consumed in moderation by those with heart disease or high cholesterol.
+=== Biliary System ===
-== Variations ==
+The liver produces [[bile]], a digestive fluid that is stored in the [[gallbladder]] and released into the [[small intestine]] to aid in the digestion of fats.
-There are many variations of liver spread around the world. In the Philippines, for example, liver spread is often made with pork liver and is a key ingredient in the popular dish [[Kaldereta]]. In Germany, a version known as [[Leberwurst]] is commonly eaten on bread or used in cooking.
+== Functions ==
-[[Category:Spreads]]
+The liver performs several essential functions, including:
-[[Category:Offal]]
-[[Category:Cooking]]
+* '''Metabolism''': The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
-{{food-stub}}
+* '''Detoxification''': It detoxifies various metabolites and drugs, making them easier for the body to excrete.
+* '''Protein Synthesis''': The liver synthesizes important proteins such as [[albumin]] and [[clotting factors]].
+* '''Storage''': It stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.
+== Diseases ==
+The liver can be affected by various diseases, including:
+* '''[[Hepatitis]]''': Inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections.
+* '''[[Cirrhosis]]''': Scarring of the liver tissue, often due to chronic alcohol abuse or hepatitis.
+* '''[[Liver cancer]]''': A malignant tumor that can arise in the liver.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Hepatic artery]]
+* [[Portal vein]]
+* [[Bile]]
+* [[Gallbladder]]
+* [[Hepatitis]]
+* [[Cirrhosis]]
+* [[Liver cancer]]
+[[Category:Anatomy]]
+[[Category:Hepatology]]