hepatic

The term hepatic refers to the liver, from Latin hepaticus, ultimately from Greek hēpar meaning liver. In medical usage, hepatic describes anatomy, physiology, and pathologies related to the liver.

The liver is the body's largest internal organ, located in the upper right abdomen. It is divided into lobes (right and left, with smaller caudate and quadrate lobes). Blood reaches the liver via the hepatic artery (oxygenated) and the hepatic portal vein (nutrient-rich from the digestive tract). Blood leaves via hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava. The liver is organized into hexagonal lobules with hepatocytes.

Major functions include metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; detoxification of drugs and toxins; bile production for fat emulsification; storage of vitamins and minerals; synthesis of plasma proteins (including albumin and clotting factors); immune function via Kupffer cells. Bile is drained via hepatic ducts into the common bile duct and stored in or released from the gallbladder.

Clinically, hepatic health is assessed by liver function tests measuring enzymes such as AST/ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. Common hepatic conditions include hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatic failure. The term hepatic is frequently used in compound terms, such as hepatic artery, hepatic portal system, hepatic duct, hepatic lobule.