The Functions and Disorders of the Liver The liver is the largest organ of the body and weighs about three to four pounds. The lower ribs protect the liver that is on the right side of the abdomen. The liver is an important organ like all the others of course. Without it our bodies could not function at all. Our bodies would then be poisoned and unfit for us to do any kind of activity. We would not have the energy to do anything at all. The liver is the body's energy factory. Most of the sugar you eat is turned into chemicals that can be used by the body cells. These chemi