The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above the stomach. It is divided into two main lobes, the right lobe and the left lobe, which are further divided into smaller lobes and segments. The liver is surrounded by a fibrous capsule that helps protect and support its structure.
The liver is made up of hepatocytes, which are the main functional cells of the organ. These cells are arranged in hexagonal lobules, which are the basic structural units of the liver. Each lobule is made up of layers of hepatocytes arranged around a central vein, with blood flowing in from branches of the hepatic artery and portal vein.
The liver also contains bile ducts, which carry bile produced by the hepatocytes to the gallbladder and small intestine. The liver is highly vascular, receiving blood from the hepatic artery and portal vein, and draining into the hepatic vein.
Overall, the structure of the liver is highly organized and complex, allowing it to perform a wide range of functions essential for maintaining health and well-being.