Browsing: Liver

The liver is a vital organ located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, protected by the rib cage. It is the largest internal organ and performs over 500 essential tasks related to metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient processing. Key functions of the liver include filtering blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body, detoxifying chemicals, metabolizing drugs, and secreting bile that ends up back in the intestines to aid in digestion. The liver also plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels, converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage, and vice versa to maintain energy balance. Additionally, it is responsible for the synthesis of important proteins involved in blood clotting and other processes. Damage to the liver, such as from hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or other diseases, can severely impair these functions and lead to life-threatening conditions.