The right side of the human torso contains several major organs within both the abdominal and chest cavities. Understanding the location of these structures is foundational to comprehending their function and the origins of any discomfort in this region.
The Liver and Associated Structures
The liver is the largest internal organ and dominates the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It is positioned directly beneath the diaphragm and is largely shielded by the lower right rib cage. The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood, filtering blood from the digestive tract, processing nutrients, and metabolizing drugs.
It also produces bile, an alkaline fluid that assists in the breakdown of fats during digestion. This bile flows into the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped pouch tucked into a recess on the underside of the liver. The gallbladder stores and concentrates this digestive fluid, releasing it into the small intestine when fatty food is consumed. Issues with these organs, such as the formation of gallstones, can often cause pain localized to the upper right side of the abdomen.
Key Components of the Lower Abdomen
Moving into the lower right side of the abdomen, this area contains the start of the large intestine, known as the cecum. Attached to the cecum is the appendix, a small, finger-like tube. Evidence suggests it may act as a “safe house” for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to repopulate the digestive system after an illness. Inflammation, known as appendicitis, causes pain that typically localizes to this lower right area.
The large intestine continues upward from the cecum as the ascending colon, traveling vertically along the right side of the abdominal cavity. This part of the colon absorbs water and remaining nutrients from the indigestible waste material. For female anatomy, the right ovary and fallopian tube are also located in the lower right pelvic region. These reproductive structures produce eggs and hormones and are another source of localized discomfort in this region.
Organs Located in the Flank and Chest
The right kidney is situated toward the back and side, or flank, of the body, rather than the front of the abdomen. It lies beneath the diaphragm and is partially protected by the lowermost ribs. The right kidney is often positioned slightly lower than the left due to the substantial space occupied by the liver above it. The kidney’s function is to filter waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. Pain from the kidney is often felt in the back or side rather than the anterior abdomen, distinguishing it from digestive discomfort.
The chest cavity contains the right lung, which is slightly shorter but wider than the left lung. This difference in size is because the right lung must accommodate the dome of the diaphragm, which is pushed higher by the large liver underneath it. The right lung is divided into three distinct lobes, compared to the two lobes of the left lung, which needs to allow space for the heart.