Digestive system
Liver
The liver is the body's largest internal organ and a chemical processing factory. It filters the blood, processes nutrients, makes bile to digest fat, and breaks down toxins including alcohol and medicines.
What it is
The liver is a large, reddish-brown organ in the upper right abdomen, performing hundreds of essential jobs. It is the only internal organ that can regrow lost tissue.
Where it is
The upper right part of the abdomen, mostly under the ribs, below the diaphragm.
What it does
Processes everything absorbed from the gut, stores energy and vitamins, makes proteins and bile, and neutralises toxins and waste — including alcohol and many medicines.
How it works
Blood from the digestive system passes through the liver first, where nutrients are processed and stored and harmful substances are broken down. The liver also produces bile, which flows to the gut to help digest and absorb fats.
When things go wrong
Common conditions affecting the liver
- Fatty liver disease
- Hepatitis (viral or alcohol-related)
- Cirrhosis (scarring)
- Liver cancer
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe symptoms — such as severe chest pain, breathlessness or collapse — are an emergency; call 999.
Looking after it
Keeping your liver healthy
Keeping alcohol within recommended limits, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding hepatitis (through vaccination and safe practices) and being careful with medicines all protect the liver.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The liver can regenerate: a person can donate part of their liver, and both the donor's and recipient's portions grow back to a functional size.
Answers
Liver: frequently asked questions
What does the liver do?
The liver filters the blood, processes nutrients and medicines, makes bile to digest fat, stores energy, and breaks down toxins including alcohol.
Can the liver repair itself?
Yes — the liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate and recover from some damage, but ongoing harm (such as heavy alcohol use) can eventually cause permanent scarring (cirrhosis).
The digestive system
Related organs
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy / TeachMePhysiology
Building an anatomy or patient-education resource?
We create clear, accurate, referenced medical reference content for teams and learners.