The Liver Can Regenerate From as Little as 25% of Its Original Mass
The liver is the only internal solid organ capable of complete regeneration. After partial removal or damage, it can grow back to its full size within 8–15 weeks — even if only 25% of the organ remains. This is achieved through hepatocyte proliferation triggered by growth factors like HGF and EGF. The ancient Greek myth of Prometheus — whose liver was eaten by an eagle each day and regrew each night — may reflect early knowledge of this ability. The liver also performs over 500 distinct metabolic functions.