Artificial liver is spelled /ɑr.təˈfɪʃ.əl ˈlɪ.vər/. The first syllable 'ar' is pronounced as in 'car', followed by 'tuh' as in 'button' and 'fih' as in 'fish'. The stress is on the second syllable 'fi' and the sound 'shuh' as in 'shush' is pronounced before the 'l' sound. The final syllable 'ver' is pronounced as in 'word'. An artificial liver is a medical device that mimics the functions of a real liver and is used as a temporary measure for patients awaiting liver transplants or experiencing acute liver failure.
An artificial liver refers to a device or system developed to functionally replicate or substitute the essential functions of a real human liver. The liver is an organ responsible for numerous vital metabolic processes within the human body, such as detoxification, metabolism, bile production, and the synthesis of proteins necessary for blood clotting.
Artificial liver technology aims to provide temporary support to individuals with acute or chronic liver failure, as well as serve as a bridge to transplantation. It primarily involves extracorporeal or outside-the-body techniques that channel a patient's blood through a machine designed to perform the essential functions of a normal liver. These machines may consist of several components, including filters or membranes that remove toxins, absorbent materials to filter substances like bilirubin, and chemical catalysts to stimulate crucial enzymatic reactions within the body.
Various types of artificial liver systems have been developed, such as bioartificial livers, bioengineered livers, and liver dialysis devices. Some bioartificial livers incorporate living cells, such as hepatocytes, that can mimic certain liver functions. These cells can potentially perform metabolic activities, assist in immune responses, and aid in restoring liver function. Liver dialysis devices, on the other hand, are primarily designed to effectively remove toxins from the blood.
While artificial liver technology is still undergoing significant research, development, and refinement, its potential as a life-saving intervention for individuals with liver failure holds great promise and may contribute to improving patient outcomes in the future.
The term "Artificial Liver" is a compound word derived from the combination of the words "artificial" and "liver". To understand its etymology:
1. Artifice: The word "artificial" originated from the Latin word "artificialis", which means "made by art or skill". It comes from the Latin word "artificium", meaning "a craft or trade". Over time, the term has taken on the meaning of something created or produced by human skill or intelligence, as opposed to occurring naturally.
2. Liver: The word "liver" can be traced back to Old English, where it was known as "lifer". This word is related to the Old High German "lebara" and the Old Norse "lif".