What Organs Are On the Right Side of Your Body? The right side of your body houses several important organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and part of the large intestine. These organs play vital roles in digestion, detoxification, and nutrient absorption. Understanding what’s on your right side can help you pinpoint the cause of any discomfort or issues you may experience there.

Liver

The liver is one of the largest organs in your body and sits primarily on the right side, under your ribcage. It’s like your body’s chemical factory, busy with over 500 functions. For example, it processes nutrients from the food you eat, helps get rid of toxins, and stores energy.

Functions of the Liver

Converts nutrients into forms your body can use
Stores vitamins and minerals
Filters out harmful substances

Gallbladder

Nestled under the liver, you’ll find the gallbladder. Think of it as a small storage unit for bile, a fluid that helps in the digestion of fats. When you eat something fatty, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to break it down.

Why Bile is Important

Helps digest fats
Aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E

Kidney

Although you have two kidneys, one of them is located on the right side of your body, near the back and below the ribcage. Your kidney acts like a natural filtration system, removing waste and extra water to make urine.

Kidney’s Role in Your Body

Filters blood to remove waste
Regulates electrolytes and blood pressure

Large Intestine

Part of your large intestine, or colon, also resides on the right side. Specifically, the ascending colon and the cecum are located here. They’re part of the final stages of digestion, where water is absorbed, and stool is formed.

Tasks of the Large Intestine

Absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter
Transports waste material out of the body

Appendix

The appendix is a small, pouch-like sac of tissue that is also on the right side of your body. Located at the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine, its exact function is still a bit of a mystery.

Theories About the Appendix

May store beneficial bacteria
Could be a vestigial organ with no current function

Ovaries in Women: Where Eggs Are Stored

In women, the right ovary is also located on the right side. It’s part of the female reproductive system and is responsible for producing eggs and hormones like estrogen.

Role of the Ovary

Produces eggs for fertilization
Regulates menstrual cycle through hormone production

So, there you go. The right side of your body is pretty busy, hosting organs that handle everything from digestion to detoxification. Knowing what’s where can help you be more in tune with your body, especially if you experience any discomfort or issues on this side.

Further Reading: What Organs Are On the Left Side of Your Body?