Liver

 Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ and one of the most important organs in the human body. It is located in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm and protected by the lower ribs. In adults, the liver weighs approximately 1.2–1.8 kg and performs over 500 essential functions that are vital for life.

Functions of the Liver

The liver has many important functions, including:

Produces bile: Bile helps digest and absorb fats in the small intestine.

Detoxifies the blood: Removes harmful substances, alcohol, drugs, and toxins from the bloodstream.

Metabolizes nutrients: Processes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from food.

Stores glycogen: Stores glucose as glycogen and releases it when the body needs energy.

Stores vitamins and minerals: Stores vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, and minerals such as iron and copper.

Produces proteins: Makes albumin, clotting factors, and many proteins needed for body functions.

Breaks down old red blood cells: Helps process hemoglobin and produce bilirubin.

Supports immunity: Removes bacteria and other harmful substances from the blood.

Regulates cholesterol: Produces and removes cholesterol as needed.

Structure of the Liver

The liver consists of:

Right lobe: The largest lobe.

Left lobe: Smaller than the right lobe.

Caudate lobe

Quadrate lobe

The liver is made up of millions of liver cells called hepatocytes, which carry out most of its metabolic functions.

Blood Supply

The liver has a unique dual blood supply:

Hepatic artery: Brings oxygen-rich blood from the heart.

Portal vein: Brings nutrient-rich blood from the digestive system.

This allows the liver to process nutrients and remove toxins before blood circulates throughout the body.

Common Liver Diseases

Fatty liver disease (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E

Liver cirrhosis

Liver cancer

Liver abscess

Drug-induced liver injury

Hemochromatosis

Wilson disease

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Common symptoms include:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Fatigue

Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side

Nausea and vomiting

Loss of appetite

Dark urine

Pale stools

Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)

Easy bruising or bleeding

Itchy skin

Risk Factors

Excessive alcohol consumption

Viral hepatitis infection

Obesity

Diabetes

High cholesterol

Certain medications and toxins

Family history of liver disease

How to Keep the Liver Healthy

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Maintain a healthy body weight.

Exercise regularly.

Avoid excessive alcohol.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if recommended.

Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles to reduce the risk of viral hepatitis.

Use medications only as directed.

Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals whenever possible.

Interesting Facts

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body.

It can regenerate itself after injury or surgery, provided enough healthy tissue remains.

It performs more than 500 different functions.

The liver produces about 600–1,000 mL of bile each day.

It receives about 25% of the heart's blood output through its dual blood supply.

Conclusion

The liver is a remarkable organ responsible for digestion, detoxification, energy storage, protein production, and many other essential processes. Because it plays such a central role in maintaining health, protecting the liver through a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive alcohol, and managing conditions such as obesity and viral hepatitis is essential for long-term well-being.