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Largest organ in the body, liver weighs about three pounds and performs many functions, such as: Regulating, synthesizing (Bile - helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion), storing (processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content), secreting, transforming and breaking down many different substances in the body, including clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances. Also, regulates blood clotting. Approximately twenty - five percent of cardiac output of blood flows to the liver.

Hepatitis inflammation of the liver is contagious and caused by one of three viruses: A, B or C. Hepatitis A: Mostly commonly found in children. When a small amount of the virus, which lives in the stool (feces or poop) contaminates foods, water, milk or especially shellfish, which is then ingested. Considered to be a mild infection, and does not cause chronic liver disease. Hepatitis B (serum hepatitis): Virus spreads through infected body fluids, such as blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, tears and urine. Approximately 8,500 new cases are reported annually in the United States. Exposure to hepatitis B virus: Two types of infection that can result - acute (short lived) or chronic (long - term). About one percent of acute hepatitis B (fulminant hepatitis) patients die due to liver damage in this early stage. Approximately ten percent of hepatitis B patients develop chronic, life - long infection. People with chronic hepatitis B may not develop symptoms, but become "carrier's" and can spread the disease to others. Also, increases chance of permanent liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis C: Virus spread by direct contact with infected person's blood (drug needles, body piercing with un-sterilized tools, blood transfusions, sexual contact, and transmission from mother to newborn) and attributed to chronic liver disease. The leading cause of liver transplants in the United States. Symptoms of hepatitis: Foul breath, jaundice, a bitter taste in the mouth, dark or "tea-colored' urine, and white, light or "day-colored" stools. Hepatitis A may show mild or no symptoms, especially children with this disease.

The second most major organ transplant is liver after the kidney. Removing a diseased liver and replace it with a healthy liver from an organ donor. In 2002, 5,300 liver transplants were performed in the United States, and more then 17,000 people in the USA are waiting for a liver transplant. Most common

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