Knowing where the liver is located, you can notice its pathology in time - when it protrudes from under the right lower rib, and contact a specialist for treatment. This is one of the few organs that is able to recover quickly, but only on condition that the person himself contributes to this. Otherwise, the functionality of the gland will begin to decline, which will affect the condition of the entire gastrointestinal tract. The pancreas and gallbladder will especially “get it”, because they are closely related to the liver.
Where is the liver located?
Many people are familiar with the feeling of an unpleasant tingling sensation in the side. Basically, the right side suffers from this symptom. It is there, on the right, in the upper quadrant of the abdomen, that the liver is located.
The liver is the largest and heaviest organ in the human body. It weighs about 1.5 kg.
The upper part of the liver is diligently protected by the ribs. And the surface of the organ is covered with a thin layer called the capsule. The organ itself consists of two parts, one of which is 6 times smaller than the other. The two lobes are separated by numerous venous ligaments.
The organ is attached to the anterior abdominal wall and to the diaphragm by special ligaments.
Borders
The location of the upper border is determined by three lines and only on the right:
- On the right parasternal - the edge of the VI rib from above.
- On the right isola - the edge of the VI rib from below.
- On the anterior axilla - the edge of the VII rib from below.
The location of the lower border is determined by the same lines and additionally along the median (chest line, which is the axis of passage of the sternum) and the left parasternal line (which is equally distant from the edge of the sternum and the left parapapillary line):
Anterior axillary - the edge of the X rib from below.- The peripapillary line on the right is the lower border of the costal arch.
- Parasternal right - 2 cm below the costal arch.
- In the middle - between the navel and the free end of the sternum, which is called the xiphoid process.
- The periosternal line on the left is the lower edge of the costal arch.
In addition to determining the boundaries along the left midclavicular, median and right parasternal lines, the height of hepatic dullness (liver size) is determined, which normally corresponds to the following figures: 9–11 cm, 8–10 and 7–9 cm.
What is the liver responsible for?
The organ in question is multifunctional. It performs the following tasks:
- neutralization of toxic substances. Any harmful or poisonous food primarily affects the liver. The function of the organ is to neutralize the “pest” as much as possible, preventing it from reaching other tissues;
- blood filtration. The liver is like a filter with a non-replaceable cartridge;
- creation. The liver “assembles” the vitamin and mineral complexes necessary for life;
- selection. The organ is involved in the secretion of bile necessary for digestion.
Liver function may be impaired if the blood becomes too thick and its flow is impaired. Another serious enemy of health is infection. It is hepatitis that destroys the “blood purifier”.
Liver diseases in humans
Cirrhosis. First signs
It’s a paradox, but even a dying liver practically doesn’t hurt. It begins to tingle only when the organ has only 30% of its working area left. But, at the same time, the liver can recover if it has at least a little working surface left.
These symptoms can be called minor. They do not directly talk about the development of cirrhosis, they only hint at problems with the organ that purifies the blood. But if you notice one or a combination of signs, this is a reason to think about it and get checked!
Advice. Almost every woman has spider veins. Meanwhile, this is a clear sign of impending cirrhosis. The brighter the stars, the more actively the tissues die.
- hormonal changes in men. Enlarged mammary glands, hair loss, plump buttocks and thighs. The cause of such symptoms is reduced liver function, which cannot cope with the neutralization of female sex hormones;
- changes in finger joints. Nails may become more convex, and joints may become spherical;
- red palms and lips. A shiny tongue of rich crimson color is a clear sign of illness.
This is interesting. When does toxicosis begin in pregnant women? How long and how does it last, when does it end?
One of these signs does not mean anything, but their totality already inspires serious concern and gives reason to consult a doctor and undergo an examination.
Anatomy
Experts distinguish four main lobes of the organ, namely:
- Right. It is the largest segment and completely fills the right hypochondrium. With the help of percussion, it is the right lobe that is most accessible for research. This segment is the most functionally active, which is why its size changes significantly in diseases.
- Left. This segment is smaller in size than the right one. Located on the left side of the epigastric region (the stomach is located).
- Square. Corresponds to the lower segment of the organ. It is a segmental apparatus of the left lobe.
- Tailed. It is separated from the quadrate part by the gate of the liver and is located behind it. Often this lobe is the source of the tumor process. The location of the caudate segment makes surgical intervention difficult.
Let's highlight the main functions of the liver:
- detoxification. In simple terms, we can say that the liver is the cleansing base of our body. It neutralizes toxic substances, metabolic products, foreign substances;
- production of albumin, coagulation factors - proteins necessary for the normal functioning of the body;
- participation in metabolic processes and digestion;
- protective function.
So, experts have long given an answer to the question of where the liver is located. Knowledge of this helps to promptly identify pathology and prevent the development of dangerous complications. Percussion and deep palpation help determine the location of the organ.
The liver itself cannot hurt because it has no pain receptors. With existing diseases, painful sensations occur in the area of the right hypochondrium. Don’t forget, proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and the absence of bad habits are the key to a healthy liver!
We usually think about where this or that organ is located only when pain or discomfort in any part of the body begins to bother us. And when we feel discomfort, many of us associate it with liver problems. However, do all of us know in which part of the body the liver is located - on the right or on the left?
How to recognize liver cirrhosis - secondary symptoms
Cirrhosis is the death of liver cells. Most patients successfully get rid of this disease. But there are known cases of death.
- nosebleeds;
- yellowness of the skin on the face and neck;
- intoxication;
- pain in the side under the ribs on the right side;
- insomnia;
- enlargement of the organ in question. Instead of damaged cells, the liver creates new connective tissue and enlarges;
- bleeding, i.e. the appearance of hemorrhoids;
- ascites;
- vomiting blood may be very thick, similar to coffee grounds;
- swelling in the legs;
- an increase in body temperature hints at the beginning of cell breakdown;
- anemia;
- sudden weight loss;
- skin itching.
Sometimes 1-2 signs appear simultaneously. But there are often cases when the disease is completely asymptomatic.
At the first signs of discomfort in the liver area, you should immediately consult a doctor
Causes of cell death
It is generally accepted that cirrhosis occurs only in alcoholics. They “consume” so often that the liver cannot cope with so many poisons that urgently need to be voted on.
However, other groups of the population are also at risk:
- everyone who has had hepatitis;
- diabetic patients;
- those who are exposed to the toxic effects of industrial or industrial poisons (paint, medicines, hair dyes, etc.);
- owners of hereditary diseases;
- heart failure causing venous stagnation;
- damage to the biliary tract by infections or helminthic infestations.
In all these cases, the liver is subjected to literally cosmic loads, and does not always cope with it.
Doctors' advice for those suffering from liver disease
If a person has been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, or another disease that jeopardizes the health of this organ, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of doctors:
- Under no circumstances should you handle a bag of potatoes or carry a cabinet during renovation. Any lifted weight may well cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
- No constipation! The stool should be normal. The norm is not once every 2 days, but 2 times a day! If the situation is critical, it is necessary to regularly use mild laxatives. Remember, the liver will suffer from a dirty intestine.
- Workaholics must take breaks from their activities and rest in a timely manner.
- The liver loves peace, which means 10-12 hours spent with a pillow and blanket will benefit it.
- It is necessary to monitor the volume in the abdominal area. Their increase is an indicator of the onset of edema.
Attention! With cirrhosis, damage to the nervous system is possible. In order to track this moment, it is recommended to write your diary daily. Changes in handwriting will indicate incipient irregularities.
Prevention of a disease is the elimination of the causes leading to its occurrence. If alcohol is to blame, it is necessary to stop drinking it and treat the consequences of addiction. If the cause is hepatitis, then take antiviral drugs in a timely manner.
This is interesting. Maternity cases. At what point do pregnant women go on maternity leave?
In general, treating cirrhosis requires changes in lifestyle, thinking and eating habits. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, the disease will gradually recede. Experts say that the liver is a very grateful organ, and it recovers quickly if you pay attention to your health and notice the onset of the disease in time.
Treatment
Most illnesses are treated in a hospital. And many diseases can be treated in simple ways. If this is alcoholic hepatosis, then you should forget about alcohol and choose a diet. In case of toxic poisoning, poisons are removed from the blood through detoxification. Other diseases can be cured by taking antibacterial and antiviral drugs. Surgeon intervention is necessary in the presence of cysts and tumor formations.
And if pain in the gland is due to injury or physical activity, then you should just rest. No treatment as such is required.
Pain relief medications (first aid for liver pain)
The following special drugs are used to help relieve spasm and severe pain in the liver:
You can take tablets, but it is advisable to administer the medicine intramuscularly, because in this form the drug can relieve suffering in a shorter time than tablets. But we must also forget that No-spa is not used for liver failure.
Its injections are also used to suppress pain. The direct purpose of the drug is to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive and genitourinary systems. But, again, the use of this drug for liver failure is prohibited.
This drug is administered in various ways.
You cannot take analgin yourself, because... it may mislead your doctor by dulling pain or changing signs of pathology. And also, Analgin additionally loads the exocrine gland.
However, the doctor may prescribe injections of this drug if he considers it necessary.
How to cleanse the liver with folk remedies
Although it was indicated that you cannot self-medicate for pain in the liver, it is still worth noting a couple of points about alternative medicine. You can try liver herbal teas, they are sold in pharmacies and do not require a prescription from a doctor.
With all this, you should not abuse traditional medicine. Since inflammatory processes can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Diet for liver diseases
Let's start with the fact that it is necessary to eliminate bad habits (smoking and alcohol).
Products whose consumption should be minimized:
- Alcohol. Exceptions may include medications (tinctures, decoctions, etc.);
- Butter. You shouldn’t cut it out of your diet at all, because oil has a beneficial effect on some organs;
- Fast food. Absolutely forbidden. Fast food products contain a huge number of components hazardous to health;
- Pork lard, duck and goose meat are recommended to be consumed in small portions;
- Kiwi. You should also reduce your consumption of this fruit;
- Sweet and rich pastries;
- Hot spices and smoked meats.
To prevent liver diseases at home, you should not suddenly change your diet, because this can have a bad effect on the condition of the liver. All changes in diet must be made gradually.
You should drink no more than three liters of fluid per day. It is advised to eat boiled and steamed food. It is also recommended to consume food before 8 pm.
To prevent liver problems, you need to include a number of foods in your diet:
- Wholemeal breads and pastries;
- Vegetable soups with low-fat broth;
- Fresh vegetables and fruits;
- Dairy products with 0% fat content;
- Boiled and stewed fish;
- Freshly squeezed juices, not strong tea and coffee.
Proper nutrition is the key to a healthy liver.
