Liver

An organ in the upper abdomen that aids in digestion and removes waste products and worn-out cells from the blood.

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body.

The liver weighs about three and a half pounds (1.6 kilograms).

It measures about 8 inches (20 cm) horizontally (across) and 6.5 inches (17 cm) vertically (down) and is 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick.</P> NTER><IMG height=302 alt='Liver Organ - Illustration' src='http://images.medicinenet.com/images/illustrations/Liver.jpg' width=285 border=0> </CENTER> The liver has a multitude of important and complex functions.

Some of these functions are to: > >Manufacture (synthesize) proteins, including albumin (to help maintain the volume of blood) and blood clotting factors</LI></UL> > >Synthesize, store, and process (metabolize) fats, including fatty acids (used for energy) and cholesterol</LI></UL> > >Metabolize and store carbohydrates, which are used as the source for the sugar (glucose) in blood that red blood cells and the brain use</LI></UL> > >Form and secrete bile that contains bile acids to aid in the intestinal absorption (taking in) of fats and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.</LI></UL> > >Eliminate, by metabolizing and/or secreting, the potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body, such as bilirubin from the breakdown of old red blood cells and ammonia from the breakdown of proteins</LI></UL> > >Detoxify, by metabolizing and/or secreting, drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins </LI></UL>