Read article The liver
This page tells you about the liver. There is information about
The liver
The liver is the second largest organ in the body after the skin. It is found below your right lung and is protected by the lower ribs on that side. The liver is divided into two main lobes, the right and left lobes. Two small lobes lie behind the right lobe. The two main lobes are further divided into segments.
The liver is the chemical factory of the body. It performs many important jobs including
- Storing some nutrients
- Converting fats to energy when the body needs it
- Producing bile - a substance that helps the digestion and absorption of food
- Making proteins
- Helping the blood to clot
- Making other substances the body needs
- Breaking down harmful substances including alcohol, many drugs, and waste products from normal body processes
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the About liver cancer section.
The liver is the second largest organ in the body after the skin. It is found below your right lung and is protected by the lower ribs on that side. The liver is divided into two main lobes, the right and left lobes. Two small lobes lie behind the right lobe. The two main lobes are further divided into segments.
The liver is the chemical factory of the body. It performs many important jobs including
- Storing some nutrients
- Converting fats to energy when the body needs it
- Producing bile
- Producing proteins
- Helping the blood to clot
- Making other substances the body needs
- Breaking down harmful substances
Storing nutrients
The liver receives its blood supply from both the hepatic artery and the hepatic portal vein. Just before it reaches the liver, the blood in the portal vein comes through the gut (digestive system). As it flows through, it picks up the carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins that the digestive system breaks down from the food that we eat. The blood then carries those nutrients to the liver. The liver can store extra nutrients such as glucose and vitamins until the body needs them.
Converts fats to energy when the body needs it
The liver uses chemicals to convert some foods containing carbohydrates and fat so that they can be used for energy.
Producing bile
The liver also produces bile, a substance that helps the digestion and absorption of food. Bile is stored in a small sack below the liver called the gallbladder. The bile passes into the intestines through the bile duct, a tube that goes from the liver to the small intestine.
Producing proteins
The liver has a vital role to play in other functions of the body. It produces albumin. Albumin is a protein found in blood that helps to keep a balance of fluid between the body's tissues and the bloodstream.
Helping the blood to clot
The liver produces substances that help the blood to clot. These substances help to control bleeding when you cut yourself.
Making other substances the body needs
The liver is able to make many substances in the body that are essential for the production of bone and tissues. It also makes cholesterol - an essential part of the walls of cells.
Breaking down harmful substances
The liver breaks down harmful substances so that the body can get rid of them in the urine or faeces. This includes alcohol, many drugs, and waste products from normal body processes. So if the liver is not working properly, harmful substances can build up and cause problems with the normal functions of the body.
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