The liver, your largest organ, is located behind your ribcage just below your right lung, according to the University of Southern California's Department of Surgery. If you're thinking, "An organ that takes up so much space must be important!" you're right. The liver has more than 400 jobs that it must do every day in order to keep your body running properly. Some of the liver's functions are so important that you wouldn't be able to survive if your liver stopped working.
Blood Cleaning
Your liver filters out harmful substances known as toxins. Your body naturally produces some toxins---such as when it breaks down protein---and sometimes it takes in toxins by accident. When you eat something, your blood passes through your liver before it is sent to the rest of your body, according to KidsHealth, a part of the Nemours Foundation. Your liver takes out the important nutrients and gives them back to your body, but it tosses out the toxins by sending them out of your body through your poop.
Bile Making
Bile is a yellow-to-green colored juice in your body. Although it is stored in the gall bladder, the gall bladder doesn't make it---your liver does. Bile is an important body product because it helps your bloodstream absorb substances such as fat and vitamins A, D, E and K, according to the University of Southern California Department of Surgery.
Energy Storing
When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates---foods such as bread and fruit are rich in carbohydrates---your liver breaks down those carbohydrates into a sugar known as glucose, according to the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service. Your liver holds onto some of that glucose, but glucose stored in your liver is called glycogen. Glycogen is like an emergency source of energy for times when you need a quick boost.
Other Important Jobs
Among your liver's many other functions, it: produces cholesterol, which your body needs to build cells and create some hormones; breaks down proteins into smaller molecules called amino acids; helps your body distribute nutrients from food and breaks down ingredients in medicines such as painkillers so that your body can use them quickly and help you feel better. Your liver also helps your blood clot so that you don't lose too much blood when you are injured.
Keeping Your Liver Healthy
Your liver works every moment of every day to help you stay healthy, but you can harm it if you eat poorly, drink alcohol, use drugs and don't get enough exercise, says the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service. Your liver may also be harmed by viruses such as hepatitis B. One major sign that your liver is in trouble is when your eyes and skin start to take on a yellow color. Ask your parents to take you to see a doctor as soon as possible if you are concerned that your liver isn't working well.
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