<P> The liver is found in all vertebrates, and is typically the largest visceral (internal) organ . Its form varies considerably in different species, and is largely determined by the shape and arrangement of the surrounding organs . Nonetheless, in most species it is divided into right and left lobes; exceptions to this general rule include snakes, where the shape of the body necessitates a simple cigar - like form . The internal structure of the liver is broadly similar in all vertebrates . </P> <P> An organ sometimes referred to as a liver is found associated with the digestive tract of the primitive chordate Amphioxus . Although it performs many functions of a liver, it is not considered a true liver but a homolog of the vertebrate liver . The amphioxus hepatic caecum produces the liver - specific proteins vitellogenin, antithrombin, plasminogen, alanine aminotransferase, and insulin / Insulin - like growth factor (IGF) </P>

Where is the liver located in the human body diagram