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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
The liver (hepar) is an extremely important organ in the body of mammals and vertebrates which provides functions essential for life. It is the largest internal organ and has numerous functions including production of bile and protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
The liver (hepar) is an extremely important organ in the body of mammals and vertebrates which provides functions essential for life. It is the largest internal organ and has numerous functions including production of bile and protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. During foetal development, the liver has an important haemopoetic function, producing red and white blood cells from tissue between the hepatic cells and vessel walls.
The size of the liver varies due to its role in metabolism. In carnivores the liver weighs about 3-5% of body weight, in omnivores 2-3% and in herbivores 1.5%. the liver is much heavier in young animals rather than older animals as it atropies with age.
The size of the liver varies due to its role in metabolism. In carnivores the liver weighs about 3-5% of body weight, in omnivores 2-3% and in herbivores 1.5%. the liver is much heavier in young animals rather than older animals as it atropies with age.
The liver is derived from an outpocketing of endoderm epithelium on the ventral duodenum from the caudal part of the foregut. The connetion to the gut narrows to become the bile duct. The parenchymal tissue of the liver is formed from proliferating epithelial cords or strands which intergrate with the blood sinuses of the umbilical and vitelline veins.
The mesoderm of the septum transversum forms the venous sinosoids and connective tissue of the liver.