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What the Liver Does and How to Keep It Healthy
The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and one of the most metabolically complex. It performs over 500 distinct biological functions — processing everything the digestive system ...
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen · Editorial Policy
The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and one of the most metabolically complex. It performs over 500 distinct biological functions — processing everything the digestive system absorbs, detoxifying the blood, producing proteins essential for clotting and immunity, metabolizing hormones and medications, and storing energy. Understanding what the liver does and how to protect it is foundational to long-term health, given the remarkable number of conditions that damage this irreplaceable organ.
Anatomy And Structure
The liver is located in the upper right abdomen, below the diaphragm, and weighs approximately 3 pounds (1.5 kg) in adults. It receives a dual blood supply:
- The portal vein delivers nutrient-rich blood from the intestines, stomach, spleen, and pancreas — about 75% of total hepatic blood flow
- The hepatic artery delivers oxygenated blood — about 25%
This dual blood supply means the liver is the first organ to process everything absorbed from the gut, positioning it perfectly as the body's primary metabolic and detoxification center.
Live AI Specialist
Tags
liverkeephealthygeneral health
Primary Source
NIH NIDDK — Liver DiseaseMedical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Chen
AI General Practitioner
Dr. Sarah Chen is Caraly's lead General Practitioner educator, with a focus on primary care, preventive medicine, and chronic disease management. Her content is developed in strict alignment with clinical guidelines from the CDC, NIH, and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and is reviewed against current evidence-based standards before publication. With over 200 educational articles published on the platform, Dr. Chen is one of the most prolific health educators in the Caraly network.
Sources & References
This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.