The body contains several vital organs that work in tandem to support each other, and one of these critical organs is the liver.

Situated in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm, the liver is protected by the rib cage, making it difficult to feel from the outside. Visually, the liver is a large triangular shape divided into two main lobes: the left and right lobes.

Liver Functions

As one of the largest glands in the body, the liver has over 500 functions, many of which are essential for maintaining overall health. Some of the liver's primary roles include:

Produces Bile

Bile plays a key role in breaking down and absorbing fats, cholesterol, and certain vitamins in the small intestine. This digestive fluid contains bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes, and water.

In addition to aiding digestion, bile also helps the liver eliminate waste from the body during digestion.

Absorbing and Metabolizing Bilirubin

The liver and bone marrow work together to store iron released from hemoglobin, which is essential for the production of new blood cells. During the breakdown of hemoglobin, bilirubin is formed, which the liver processes and absorbs.

Helping Blood Clotting

Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting. The liver produces bile, which is necessary for the absorption of this vitamin. Adequate bile production is essential to prevent issues with blood clotting.

Fat Metabolism

The liver produces bile, which is responsible for breaking down fats and making them easier for the body to digest and absorb.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

The liver stores carbohydrates from food in the form of glycogen. It then breaks down this glycogen into glucose (sugar), which is released into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels and provide energy to the body.

Vitamin and Mineral Storage

The liver stores fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, K, and B12. It also stores iron from hemoglobin in the form of ferritin, which is later used to produce new red blood cells.

Helping Metabolize Protein

Bile also plays a role in breaking down proteins from food, making them digestible and usable by the body.

Filtering Blood

The liver acts as a filter, helping to remove toxins and other substances from the bloodstream, including hormones, medications, and alcohol that may come from food or drink.

Immune Function

The liver plays a role in the immune system by producing cells that help destroy viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing microorganisms in the body.

Producing Albumin

Albumin is the most common protein found in blood. It is responsible for circulating fatty acids and hormones, regulating blood pressure, and preventing leaks in blood vessels.

Regeneration

One of the most remarkable features of the liver is its ability to regenerate rapidly when healthy. Unlike other organs, the human liver is the only visceral organ that can grow back to its original size and capacity without losing function during the regeneration process.

However, an unhealthy lifestyle, such as consuming alcohol, smoking, or misusing medication, can lead to liver damage. Diseases such as cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and liver cancer can impact the liver's function. To protect the liver, it's important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, follow your doctor's advice on medication, and limit alcohol intake.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of liver disease, including jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin), swelling in the liver, nausea, vomiting, or persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.

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