Photo and design Pamela Lindgren 2014 ©
Did you know!? The liver is the only organ in the body that has the ability to regenerate itself. Both the donor and the recipient's livers grow back to full size approximately 3 months after the surgery. The liver is a very special organ, even if more than fifty percent of its overall mass is damaged -- for instance, by intoxication -- it can regenerate itself completely.
LIVER FACTS
The liver is the largest solid organ in our body. It’s about 8 inches (20 cm) wide, 6.5 inches (17 cm) long and 4.5 inches (12 cm) thick and weighs approximately 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms). You’ll find your liver mostly under your ribs in the upper right part of your abdomen, just below your diaphragm.
The liver has various functions:
It makes and secretes bile to help your body absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)
It metabolizes and stores carbohydrates, fats, sugars, vitamins (and other nutrients obtained from the foods we eat) for energy and brain function.
It breaks down harmful chemicals (bilirubin and ammonia) produced by the body and keeps the body regulated and healthy.
It manufactures proteins to help maintain blood purity and proper flow.
It breaks down hormones, detoxifies water and removes drugs, alcohol and environmental toxins
And it filters waste products from your blood.
Read more: http://www.liverfact.com/
