The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It removes toxins from the body's blood supply, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, regulates blood clotting, and performs hundreds of other vital functions. It's located beneath the rib cage in the right upper abdomen. The liver is reddish-brown, and shaped approximately like a wedge, with the small end above the spleen and stomach and the large end above the small intestine. The entire organ is located below the lungs in the right upper abdomen. It weighs about 1.5 kg. The liver is an essential organ that performs over 500 vital functions. These include removing waste products and foreign substances from the bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels, and creating essential nutrients. Here are some of its most important functions: Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissues. It also carries hormones, vitamins and enzymes throughout the body Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, which removes toxins, byproducts, and other harmful substances Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depend on amino acids. The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy Regulates Blood Clotting: Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces Resists Infections: The liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper Processes Glucose: The liver removes excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose The liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous substances, such as alcohol and drugs. Cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver is scarred and permanently damaged, caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis or chronic alcoholism. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and prevents your liver from working normally. As cirrhosis gets worse, your liver begins to fail. Advanced cirrhosis is life-threatening. Resources HTML & design by Bill Willis 2024