Transplant Center

The liver is the largest and most complex solid organ in the body. It is in the right upper abdomen beneath the diaphragm.

An adult liver weighs about two to five pounds and is about 1/40 of the weight of the body. There are two blood supplies going to the liver. The hepatic artery brings oxygen rich blood to the liver, and the portal vein brings nutrient-rich blood to the liver from the stomach, intestine and spleen. The liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate after a portion of it has been removed. However, if the liver is diseased or scarred, it loses its ability to regenerate.

The liver has many functions. It detoxifies or breaks down drugs and alcohol so those substances may be removed by the liver or kidneys. It is responsible for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, so if the liver is not working properly patients may need more calories to maintain their weight. Some of the liver proteins are responsible for making clotting factors - proteins released to stop bleeding when there is a cut or other source of blood loss. The liver is also responsible for vitamin storage and is important in the regulation of hormones.

When the liver does not work properly, it can affect other body systems. These may include some or all of the following:

• Enlarged heart
• Electrolyte imbalance (disruption or normal body environment)
• Confusion
• Enlarged liver or spleen (storage organ for white blood cells/platelets causing low levels of both)
• Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
• Kidney dysfunction
• Jaundice (yellow skin or eye color) and itching