The liver is the largest organ in the body. It is located in the right upper area of the abdomen. Several vital parts connect to the liver.  

• The hepatic artery brings blood and oxygen to the liver tissues.
• The portal vein carries blood and substances absorbed from the food we eat to the liver for processing before they are distributed to the rest of the body.
• The hepatic veins carry the blood from the liver and return it to the circulation.
• The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the intestines for digestion.

 

A healthy functioning liver is important because it:

• Breaks down many substances in the body such as alcohol, drugs, hormones and waste products from metabolism
• Produces bile that flows in the intestines to aid digestion
• Processes proteins, fats and carbohydrates so that body tissues will have the building blocks they need
• Stores vitamins and iron
• Produces substances to help our blood clot so that we do not bleed