The liver is a multitasker. Located in the upper right abdomen and protected by the ribcage, the liver processes all blood coming from the stomach and intestines, ensuring essential nutrients reach the rest of the body. It filters your blood, stores nutrients and energy, produces proteins, aids in digestion, removes toxins and bacteria, and much more.
Remarkably, it is also the only organ in the human body capable of regenerating itself. Although the Ancient Greeks may not have fully understood liver regeneration, one of their most famous myths—Prometheus’ eternal punishment—suggests they had some awareness. According to legend, an eagle feasted on Prometheus’s liver daily, only for it to grow back overnight.
Today, medical science offers a much clearer understanding of liver function, disease, and ways to keep this vital organ healthy. To support liver health:
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
Limit or avoid alcohol
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Practice safe sex to prevent viral hepatitis
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if recommended by your doctor
Unfortunately, liver disease can be serious. Common conditions include:
Hepatitis A, B, and C
Cirrhosis
Liver cancer
Fatty liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD)
If you have concerns about liver health, consult a medical professional. If you need scientifically accurate stock medical images, turn to Science Source.
Science Source is a world-renowned supplier of medical imagery with decades of experience. Our extensive collection includes high-quality medical photography, clinical and gross anatomy images, and detailed scientific illustrations. Our team of skilled artists can also create custom, scientifically accurate graphics tailored to your project’s needs.
Explore our collection today and discover the best in medical stock imagery at Science Source.
Liver Cancer CT scan
Computed tomography (CT) scans through a female patient suffering from secondary liver cancer. The tumours are seen as blue dots within the red/orange liver. This cancer has spread from a primary tumor in the uterus. © Zephyr / Science Source
Fitness Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle includes exercise. A conceptual illustration of various people exercising: yoga, soccer, walking, weights, and biking. © Elly Walton / Science Source
Stages of Liver Disease
Illustration comparing the appearance of (left to right) a healthy, fatty, and cirrhotic liver. © Monica Schroeder / Science Source
Molecular Model of Hepatitis C Viruses
Hepatitis C viruses. Cut-away molecular model of hepatitis C virus particles (virions). The virus consists of a core of RNA (ribonucleic acid) enclosed in a capsid (red and grey), and surrounding by a glycoprotein envelope (green and white). © Ramon Andrade / Science Source
We specialize in rare nature, medical, science, and history content with full and accurate metadata.