Our bodies are intricate systems, with organs precisely located to perform specific functions. Understanding their general placement offers valuable insight into how our bodies work. Each region of the torso houses a unique set of organs, contributing to the overall complexity and efficiency of human physiology.
The Liver: Primary Organ Under the Right Breast
The liver is situated in the upper right part of the abdomen, tucked beneath the rib cage and extending partially under the right breast. It is the largest solid organ inside the body, typically weighing around 3 to 3.5 pounds in an adult. This reddish-brown, wedge-shaped organ plays a central role in numerous bodily processes.
The liver is responsible for over 500 functions, which include filtering all the blood in the body and breaking down substances like alcohol and drugs. It also produces bile, a fluid that aids in the digestion of fats and helps carry away waste products. Additionally, the liver helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, regulates blood clotting, and synthesizes essential proteins for blood plasma.
Other Organs and Structures in the Region
While the liver occupies a significant portion of the upper right abdomen, several other organs and structures are located nearby. Directly underneath the liver lies the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine when needed for fat digestion.
Behind the ribs and above the liver, parts of the right lung and its protective membranes, the pleura, are present. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds each lung, allowing them to move smoothly within the chest cavity during breathing. Below the lungs and separating the chest from the abdominal cavity is the diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle essential for breathing.
Further back and slightly lower than the liver, the right kidney is located. The right kidney typically sits a bit lower than the left due to the liver’s presence above it. These bean-shaped organs filter waste products from the blood and help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. The lower ribs and the intercostal muscles between them also form part of the structure protecting this region. These muscles are involved in breathing, helping to expand and contract the chest cavity.
Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding the organs in the upper right abdomen is helpful, especially if discomfort arises in this area. Symptoms under the right breast can range from a dull ache to sharp pain. This discomfort might also be accompanied by tenderness, bloating, or changes in how the area feels.
While minor aches often resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms warrant attention. If you experience pain that intensifies, does not go away, or is accompanied by concerning signs like fever, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin, it is important to seek professional medical advice. This article serves as general information and is not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation by a healthcare professional.