A large organ in the upper right part of the abdomen that performs essential functions in metabolism, detoxification, digestion, nutrient storage, and processing of substances in the blood.
The liver produces bile, processes nutrients absorbed from the intestine, stores substances such as glycogen and certain vitamins, modifies and helps eliminate many drugs and toxins, and produces important blood proteins. It also processes bilirubin produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Because the liver performs many different functions, liver disease can affect multiple body systems.
QUICK FACT
The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate after certain types of injury or partial removal, although severe or chronic damage can impair this ability.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Gallbladder: the gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver; it does not produce bile.
SEE ALSO
