The liver is the largest gland in the human body. It is located in
the upper right abdomen.
The normal liver has many important complex functions. These
functions include manufacture of plasma proteins, storage of
carbohydrates, detoxifying drugs and toxins, fat and carbohydrate
metabolism, bile formation, and others.
Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver in which normal cells are
replaced by scar tissue. This condition results in the failure of
the liver to perform many of its usual functions. There are many
causes of cirrhosis. Alcohol is a very common cause, particularly in
the Western world. The development of cirrhosis in alcohol consumers
depends upon the amount and regularity of intake.
Viral liver inflammation (hepatitis) is also a common cause of
cirrhosis, although most patients with viral hepatitis will not
develop cirrhosis.
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Last Editorial Review: 7/7/2004