ABSTRACT
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals and it is the largest organ in the body and constitutes about 2% of the body weight. Liver is involved in the carrying of major physiological processes such as maintenance of growth, immunity, nutrition, energy metabolism, reproduction, synthesis and secretion of bile, albumin, prothrombin, and many more. It is a body detoxification center. Consumption of toxic chemicals, alcohol, infections, etc., may affect the liver functions and their physiological process. Most of the hepatotoxic chemicals damage liver cells mainly by inducing lipid peroxidation and other oxidative damages in the liver. Liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are chronic degenerative liver disorders. Examples of liver diseases include hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, liver cancer, etc. This chapter gives a detailed note on various activities, functions, problems, and diseases of the liver.
