The Abdomen: The Liver

The Abdomen: The Liver

The liver is the largest gland in the body and it is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It has a large right lobe, a smaller left lobe, and a small quadrate lobe. The function of the liver is the formation of bile, maintaining a normal glucose concentration, fat and protein metabolism, and the removal of drugs, hormones, and toxins. The gallbladder's main function is storage and concentration of bile. Bile leaving the gallbladder is approximately six to ten times more concentrated than when it comes in from the liver. It lies between the right and quadrate lobes of the liver (Figure 17). Bile is essential for digestion of fat in the small intestine. The stomach stores and processes food, using hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes to break food down to a state where the body can absorb nutrients derived from the food. Hydrochloric acid softens proteins making them easier to digest by the enzymes.

Imaging of the Abdomen (Figure 17)

Contast enhanced CT of the abdomen. Note the gallstone within the gallbladder.