<P> Liver regeneration is the process by which the liver is able to replace lost liver tissue from growth from the reminaing tissue . The liver is the only visceral organ that possesses the capacity to regenerate . The liver can regenerate after either surgical removal or after chemical injury . It is known that as little as 25% of the original liver mass can regenerate back to its full size . The process of regeneration in mammals is mainly compensatory growth because only the mass of the liver is replaced, not the shape . However, in lower species such as fish, both liver size and shape can be replaced . </P> <P> Liver regeneration involves replication of the liver cells, mainly hepatocytes, followed by other cells such as biliary epithelial cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells . Once cell proliferation is completed, the newly divided cells undergo restructuring, angiogenesis and reformation of extracellular matrix to complete the regeneration process . In most cases, liver function is only partially affected during liver regeneration . Whereas certain specialized functions such as drug metabolism decrease, many other primary functions such as albumin and bile production are not substantially affected . </P>

How many times can your liver grow back