The functions of the liver
1. Metabolism:
– Carbohydrate Metabolism: The liver regulates blood glucose levels by storing excess glucose as glycogen through glycogenesis and releasing glucose into the bloodstream via glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis when blood sugar levels drop.
– Fat Metabolism: The liver synthesizes and breaks down fats. It converts excess carbohydrates and proteins into triglycerides for storage or energy production.
– Protein Metabolism: The liver synthesizes plasma proteins like albumin, clotting factors (e.g., fibrinogen), and globulins. It also deaminates amino acids, producing urea for excretion.
2. Detoxification:
– The liver detoxifies harmful substances such as alcohol, drugs, metabolic waste products, and toxins by converting them into less harmful forms that can be excreted.
– It metabolizes medications and removes excess hormones from the bloodstream.
3. Bile Production and Secretion:
– The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
4. Storage:
– The liver stores essential nutrients and vitamins, including glycogen (for energy), vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, iron, and copper.
– It also stores blood (in case of hemorrhage) and regulates blood volume.
5. Synthesis of Proteins:
– The liver synthesizes plasma proteins essential for various bodily functions, including albumin (maintaining fluid balance), clotting factors (coagulation), and complement proteins (immune function).
6. Regulation of Cholesterol:
– The liver produces cholesterol and removes excess cholesterol from the blood. It also converts cholesterol into bile salts, aiding in fat digestion.
7. Immune Function:
– The liver contains immune cells (Kupffer cells) that help remove bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the bloodstream.
– It plays a role in immune response regulation, producing immune factors and acute-phase proteins during inflammation and infection.
8. Regulation of Hormones:
– The liver metabolizes and breaks down hormones, such as insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones, contributing to hormonal balance.
9. Blood Storage and Filtration:
– The liver receives a significant portion of blood flow and acts as a filter, removing bacteria, toxins, and foreign particles before blood returns to the heart.
The liver’s multifunctional role is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis, nutrient storage, digestion, detoxification, and immune function. Damage or disease affecting the liver can impair these critical functions, leading to various health problems.