Biological basis of child health 9: development of the liver and clinical features of childhood liver disease.

The article provides an overview of the embryological development of the liver and clinical features of childhood liver disease. It outlines characteristics of the liver's anatomy and explains functions of the liver including synthesis of the bile and coagulation factors and glucose generation. Information is provided on liver function tests, liver disease in children such as jaundice, biliary atresia, pruritus and hepatic encephalopathy, and developments in children's liver transplantation.