The liver, about the size of a football, is a dark red organ weighing approximately 1.3 kg. It's located beneath the right rib cage and above the stomach. It comprises two sections called lobes: a smaller left lobe and a larger right lobe.

Detoxification: After blood leaves the digestive tract and flows into the liver, the organ processes various harmful chemicals. Liver cells break down these toxins into less harmful molecules. For instance, liver cells convert ammonia (released during protein digestion) into a harmless byproduct called urea, which is then excreted through urine.

The liver also processes alcohol by metabolizing it into acetate, which other body tissues break down into carbon dioxide and water. Daily, liver cells produce almost a liter of bile, a dark green fluid that flows into bile ducts. From there, bile enters the duodenum, a section of the small intestine, where it breaks down fats into smaller particles, facilitating nutrient absorption from food.

Blood sugar control: After meals, the liver works with the pancreas to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. If blood sugar drops too low, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream, providing cells with energy. Conversely, when blood sugar is high, the liver filters excess glucose from the blood and stores it as glycogen for later use.

Iron storage: The liver stores the majority of ingested iron and distributes it to the rest of the body.

Protein production: The liver processes most substances passing through the digestive system and produces numerous proteins the body needs. These include clotting factors that help stop bleeding. The liver also produces albumin, a protein that prevents fluid from leaking from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. It produces a significant amount of enzymes, which break down various molecules for the body to use.

Protection against bacteria: During infections, the liver helps fight bacteria. It contains a large number of phagocytes, cells that detect and destroy harmful viruses and bacteria.

Unlike most other organs, the liver can regenerate damaged parts. This regenerative ability makes living-donor liver transplants possible.

Anh Chi (WebMD).