The Liver

　　The liver is the largest gland in the body (approximately 1500 grams) and is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It is glossy in appearance and dark red in color from the rich supply of blood flowing through it. Approximately 25% of the cardiac output flows to the liver. It performs many important functions:

　　(1)the uptake, storage, and disposal of nutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fat), drugs, toxins and (2)the production of synthetic proteins (critical for blood clotting) and metabolism of substances produced by the body.

　　肝脏

　　肝脏是人体最大的腺体（重约1500克），它位于右上腹部。肝脏表面光滑，因血液供应丰富而呈暗红色。大约25%的心输出量流向肝脏。肝脏有许多重要的功能：

　　（1）营养物（蛋白质、碳水化合物和脂肪）、药物和毒素的摄取、储存和代谢。（2）合成蛋白（危急时的血凝块）的产生和机体物质的代谢。