The liver receives its nerve supply from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These nerves originate from the splanchnic and vagal nerves, respectively, and travel alongside the portal vein, hepatic artery, and bile duct to reach the liver.
Detailed Breakdown of Liver Innervation
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Sympathetic Innervation: This arises primarily from the celiac plexus, contributing to the hepatic plexus. Sympathetic fibers directly innervate hepatic lobules and hepatic sinusoids, playing a role in regulating blood flow and various metabolic processes. Research indicates that disruption of sympathetic innervation, such as in steatotic mice, leads to observable changes in liver structure and function. (Disorganization and degeneration of liver sympathetic innervations ...)
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Parasympathetic Innervation: This comes from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), also contributing to the hepatic plexus. The parasympathetic system influences liver function, impacting processes such as bile secretion and blood flow regulation. The interplay between sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation is crucial for maintaining overall liver homeostasis. (The Liver - Lobes - Ligaments - Vasculature - TeachMeAnatomy, Autonomic Nervous System and the Liver)
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Hepatic Plexus: The hepatic plexus, a network of nerves, serves as the primary conduit for both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers to reach the liver parenchyma (functional tissue). Its location within the liver hilum (gateway of vessels and ducts) positions it strategically to influence the organ’s many functions. (Hepatic Nervous System and Neurobiology of the Liver - PMC)
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Functional Implications: The liver's innervation isn't merely structural; it is functionally critical. The autonomic nervous system plays a significant role in regulating hepatic blood flow, bile secretion, and overall metabolic activity. Afferent nerve fibers also convey sensory information from the liver to the central nervous system. (Liver innervation and hepatic function: new insights - ScienceDirect, The role of the autonomic nervous liver innervation in the control of ...)
