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the body.
The liver is a vital organ that performs many functions in the body.
It is located in the upper right part of the abdomen, under the diaphragm, and weighs
about 3 pounds.
Producing bile, which helps digest fats and remove waste products from the body 12.
Making proteins, such as albumin and clotting factors, that are essential for blood
circulation and healing12.
Storing and regulating glucose, which is the main source of energy for the cells12.
Metabolizing and detoxifying drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances that enter
the body12.
Synthesizing cholesterol and lipoproteins, which are important for transporting fats and
hormones in the blood12.
Converting ammonia, a toxic by-product of protein breakdown, into urea, which is
excreted in the urine12.
Filtering and clearing the blood of bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles12.
Storing iron, copper, vitamins, and minerals that are needed for various metabolic
processes12.
Breaking down bilirubin, a pigment that is formed from the breakdown of red blood
cells, and giving the bile its yellow color1
The liver is a very special organ that has many unique characteristics and functions.
Some of the special features of the liver are:
It is the largest internal organ and gland in the human body, weighing about 1.5 kg123.
It is divided into four anatomical lobes (right, left, caudate, and quadrate) and eight
functional segments, each with its own blood supply and bile drainage12.
It has a dual blood supply, receiving both oxygen-rich blood from the hepatic artery and
nutrient-rich blood from the portal vein123.
It produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that helps digest fats and eliminate waste
products from the body123.
It performs over 500 vital functions, such as detoxification, protein synthesis,
carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin storage, iron metabolism, drug degradation, and
immune regulation123.
It has a remarkable regenerative capacity, being able to grow back to its original size
and function after partial removal or injury