The liver is hidden under the ribs on the right. It does many useful things: it filters the blood that comes from the intestines, secretes bile, neutralizes various poisons, synthesizes proteins and all that.
Any of these important processes can go wrong, and then the liver will enlarge.
Sometimes we are wrong
The liver seems to be enlarged, but in fact it is normal.
Lobules and processes
Occasionally, any protruding parts of the liver can be felt or seen on an ultrasound scan. It may appear that the liver is enlarged. But it only seems to be. These are just additional lobules or appendages.
The picture above shows the additional Riedel fraction. It sticks out in front and below. This is where the doctor usually feels the liver. If he stumbles across the extra lobe with his fingers, then there will be a complete illusion that the liver is enlarged.
Without lobules and processes
Even without any additional outgrowths, a normal liver can stick out from under the ribs. If you inhale deeply enough, the liver will look flirtatious from there.
If the person has fluid around the right lung, the liver will move slightly downward.
Sometimes the lungs themselves have been sore for a long time and have become swollen. Swollen lungs push the liver away.
If a person is skinny enough, then his liver may sag noticeably. But that's okay for this physique.
