Disease concepts and characteristics

Hepatitis C

Anatomy of the Liver

The liver is found at the upper right hand portion of the abdominal opening just under the diaphragm, but over the stomach, right kidney and intestines. It is a cone shaped organ that weighs approximately 3 pounds and appears to be dark red in color (USC Liver Transplant Program and Center for Liver Disease, 2012).

(1) right lobe, (2) left lobe, (3) caudate lobe, (4) quadrate lobe, (5) hepatic artery and portal vein, (6) hepatic lymph nodes, (7) gall bladder

The liver has two main sources of blood; blood from the hepatic artery, which is oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood from the hepatic portal vein. The liver contains up to one pint of the host body's blood supply all the time. It has two main lobes comprising of myriad of lobules. These lobules are also linked to tiny ducts that are also linked to larger ones from hepatic duct. The hepatic duct is the bile conduit from the liver to the gallbladder and duodenum.

Hepatitis C and Liver Functions

One unique characteristic of the Hepatitis C virus is that it presents those infected with different experiences. Some patients are able to clear the virus at early stages than others who will go on to develop chronic infection. The initial six months within the period of infection, the immune system produces antibodies to counter the virus. The virus affects the liver by weakening its ability to function properly (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). However early diagnosis is crucial in preventing health issues that are most likely to lead to further infection and transmission to family members and other close contacts.

The liver has many enzymes that are special types of protein cells. These enzymes assist in facilitating necessary chemical reactions. The enzymes trigger actions in the body cells that fasten the natural biochemical reactions, enabling the liver maintain various metabolic processes. The Hepatitis C virus damages the cells of the liver enabling enzymes to leak into the bloodstream resulting to higher levels of specific enzymes in the bloodstream. Therefore, the liver plays an important role in Homeostasis. In addition, all the blood circulating in the body passes through the liver. The food that human beings eat that filtrates to the bloodstream passes through the liver. The liver can store nutrients, break them down or transform them into proteins, fats and cholesterol. The liver also stores vitamins as well as minerals, and carbohydrates. It plays a major role in detoxifying the body by transforming substances such as alcohol into less harmful substances.