What organ is there under right rib cage?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Under your right rib cage sits the liver, the body's largest internal organ. The liver performs several essential functions: it filters and cleans your blood, removes toxins, and produces bile that helps your body digest fats and absorb nutrients. Other nearby organs include the gallbladder, part of the pancreas, and the right kidney, which may also cause discomfort in this area.

Pain or discomfort under the right rib cage can stem from many causes—ranging from mild digestive issues to conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or kidneys. Because symptoms often overlap, self-diagnosing can be tricky and delay proper care. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what might be causing your discomfort and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

When you feel the area under your right rib cage, the largest organ you are feeling is your liver. The liver is very important; it cleans your blood, stores energy, and makes bile—a liquid that helps you digest the fat in the foods you eat. In addition to the liver, the gallbladder, which stores bile, is also found right under your rib cage, just below the liver. The diaphragm, a strong muscle that helps you breathe, lies near this area too. Part of your right lung reaches under the ribs as well. However, when people talk about the organ most associated with the right rib cage, they are usually referring to the liver. If you have any concerns about pain or swelling in this area, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify possible causes and determine whether you should seek medical attention.

(References)

Xuefeng X, Park JY (2016) Hepatic Functions and its Disorders. J Liver 5: e111. doi:10.4172/2167-0889.1000e111.
Jones MW, Small K, Kashyap S, et al. Physiology, Gallbladder. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Shahid Z, Burns B. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Diaphragm. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

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