Hepatobiliary
System
Liver
The
liver is the largest of the abdominal viscera and occupies a substantial
portion of the upper abdominal cavity. It is an essential organ that performs a
wide range of metabolic activities required for homeostasis, nutrition and
immunity. It is mainly composed of epithelial cells (hepatocytes) originating
from the endoderm of primitive foregut. These cells are bathed in blood derived
from the hepatic portal veins and hepatic arteries, thereby facilitating
continuous chemical exchange between the cells and the blood. Hepatocytes are
also associated with an extensive system of minute canals, which form the
biliary system into which products are secreted.