ObjectiveTo investigate the anatomic distribution of hepatic nerves in liver and summarize the physiological and pathological functions of autonomic nervous system in liver.MethodThe literatures of studies related to human and animal liver neuroanatomy and function in recent years were reviewed, and the physiological and pathological functions involved in liver were summarized according to sympathetic nerve and vagus nerve, respectively.ResultHepatic nerves were mainly involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, immune response, inflammation, hemodynamics, alcoholic liver disease, tumor metastasis, and liver regeneration after injury.ConclusionThe mechanism of nerve regulation in liver is complex, and understanding these mechanisms provides a general new idea for the future treatment strategies for liver diseases.