Several vital organs reside beneath your ribs. The specific organ depends on the location under your ribs.
Organs Located Under the Ribs
The area under your ribs houses a collection of important organs. These include:
- The spleen: Located in the upper left abdomen, under the ribs. It plays a crucial role in filtering blood and fighting infection.
- Kidneys: Primarily located in the back, but their upper portions extend under the lower ribs. They filter waste from the blood and produce urine.
- Pancreas: Situated behind the stomach, in the upper abdomen, partially under the ribs. This organ produces hormones like insulin and digestive enzymes.
- Stomach: A significant portion of the stomach sits under the lower left ribs. This is where food is digested.
- Colon (Large Intestine): Parts of the colon extend under the ribs, particularly in the upper right and left quadrants. The colon is involved in absorbing water and electrolytes from waste.
- Lungs: The lower lobes of the lungs extend into the lower ribcage. They are responsible for oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion.
It's important to note that pain under the ribs can stem from various sources, and a proper medical diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause. Life-threatening issues, such as heart attack, can also present symptoms in this area.
