What is the Difference Between Liver and Kidney?

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The liver and kidneys are two vital organs in the human body, responsible for various essential functions. The main differences between them include their roles, locations, and structures:

  1. Functions: The liver is responsible for breaking down fat into fatty acids, storing glycogen, and providing necessary energy to the body. It also helps the body digest food, produce proteins, and filter out toxic substances. On the other hand, kidneys are mainly responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products from the body through urination, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and regulating the blood clotting process. They also remove acids produced by cells and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals.
  2. Location: The liver is located below the diaphragm, whereas the kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the abdomen, on either side of the spine.
  3. Structure: The liver is a cone-shaped organ, while the kidneys are bean-shaped organs.

In summary, the liver and kidneys have distinct functions, locations, and structures. The liver is mainly involved in breaking down fat, storing glycogen, and filtering toxic substances, while the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood, removing waste products, and maintaining essential balances in the body.

Comparative Table: Liver vs Kidney

Here is a table comparing the differences between the liver and kidney:

Parameter Liver Kidney
Size 7 to 10.5 cm (approx) 4 to 5 cm (approx)
Shape Conical shaped Bean shaped
Weight Female: 603 to 1767 g, Male: 968 to 1860 g Female: Right kidney - 38 to 174 g, Left kidney - 35 to 192 g, Male: Right kidney - 81 to 160 g, Left kidney - 83 to 176 g
Location The right side of the abdomen Below the ribcage, each kidney on the two sides of the spine
Function Breaks down fat and removes toxins from the blood, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, and regulates the blood clotting process. Filters the blood in the body, removes acids produced by cells, and maintains a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals.

Both the liver and kidneys are vital organs for survival, and one cannot live without each other. The liver is a cone-shaped organ located below the diaphragm, whereas kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the abdomen.