About the Liver
The liver is the largest organ in the digestive system and second largest organ in the human body.1 It is a blood-rich, wedge-shaped gland located in the right side of the abdomen, below the diaphragm and near the colon, right kidney, duodenum, gallbladder and stomach.2
Location & Anatomy of the Liver
The primary function of the liver is to filter what an individual eats, drinks, breathes and gets on their skin.26 The liver also carries out a variety of other important functions including:
- Production: The liver is involved in building proteins that are important for cell growth.2, 3
- Storage: The liver acts as a storage site for carbohydrates, iron and vitamins until the body needs them. The liver stores and releases blood sugar or glucose into the bloodstream to provide energy for the body to function.2, 3
- Bile secretion: The liver produces bile, a substance that helps the digestion and absorption of food and assists in fat digestion. Bile is a yellowish-brown or green liquid stored in the gall bladder.2, 3
- Elimination: Finally, the liver breaks down substances like alcohol, drugs and waste products.3, 4
