The liver is an essential organ in the body that performs hundreds of functions necessary to sustain life. It is located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm, and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. Some of the key functions of the liver include:
- Regulating chemical levels in the blood: The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps carry away waste products from the liver.
- Breaking down nutrients and chemicals in the blood: The liver processes blood, breaking down the nutrients and chemicals your blood carries and changing them into forms that are easier for the rest of your body to use.
- Producing bile: The liver produces bile, a fluid that helps the body digest (break down) food.
- Metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats: The liver metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats so your body can use them.
- Regulating blood clotting: The liver produces substances to help blood clot.
- Regulating blood volume: The liver regulates the amount of blood in the body.
- Storing glycogen and vitamins: The liver stores glycogen (an energy source) and vitamins to be used by the body later.
- Removing toxins from the blood: The liver cleans toxins (harmful substances) out of the blood.
- Getting rid of old red blood cells: The liver gets rid of old red blood cells.
- Keeping blood sugar under control: The liver keeps the amount of sugar in the bloodstream constant.
- Creating proteins: The liver creates a wide variety of proteins your body needs, including clotting factors that help you stop bleeding.
Overall, the liver is a vital organ that performs many important functions necessary for the body to function properly.
