Liver Blood Flow

• The liver is a lobed organ located below the diaphragm
• The liver intercepts blood from the gut to regulate nutrient levels
• The liver receives oxygenated blood via the hepatic artery to sustain liver cells (hepatocytes)
• The liver receives nutrient-rich blood from the gut via the portal vein
• Deoxygenated blood is transported from the liver via the hepatic vein
• The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the gut and regulates the body's metabolic processes
• The liver stores and releases key nutrients such as glycogen, cholesterol, and triglycerides
• The liver detoxifies potentially harmful ingested substances like amino acids, medications, and alcohol
• The liver produces plasma proteins to maintain sustainable osmotic conditions in the bloodstream
• The liver breaks down red blood cells and produces bile salts