Is the liver on the left or right side?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the majority of the liver is located on the right side of the body, with a smaller portion on the left side. The liver is an organ primarily responsible for metabolic functions and plays important roles in antioxidant processes, glycogen storage, and synthesis of secretory proteins. Most of the liver is situated in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, while a smaller part is located in the left upper quadrant; it has an irregular wedge-like shape.

　　Under normal circumstances, the majority of the liver is located on the right side of the body, while a smaller portion is located on the left side. A detailed explanation is as follows:

　　The liver is an organ primarily responsible for metabolic functions in the human body and plays important roles in detoxification, glycogen storage, and synthesis of secretory proteins. Most of the liver is situated in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, with a small portion in the upper left quadrant. It has an irregular wedge-like shape. Its upper part is adjacent to the diaphragm and is near the right lung and right atrium; its lower part is adjacent to organs such as the stomach, duodenum, and right colic flexure; its posterior portion is adjacent to the right adrenal gland and right kidney.

　　In certain pathological conditions, the position of the liver may change. For example, in space-occupying lesions such as liver tumors or liver abscesses, the liver's volume may increase and shift downward due to the enlargement of the affected tissue. Additionally, in diseases such as emphysema that cause downward displacement of the diaphragm, the liver may also be pushed downward. In cases of severe abdominal distension or ascites, the increased intra-abdominal pressure may also affect and alter the liver's position.

　　In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular sleep patterns, and moderate exercise to reduce the burden on the liver.

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