Plants, Liver and Biliary System

The liver is a gland located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen immediately beneath the diaphragm. As an exocrine gland it secretes bile. Its other major functions are the synthesis of plasma proteins, heparin, fibrinogen, and prothrombin; destruction of red cells; detoxification; metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; and the storage of glycogen and other important substances. The main diseases of the liver include hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.