The liver performs several important functions in the body, including:
1. Metabolism: The liver plays a key role in metabolizing nutrients, drugs, and toxins. It helps convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy and stores essential nutrients for later use.
2. Detoxification: The liver filters and detoxifies harmful substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and environmental toxins, from the blood.
3. Production of bile: The liver produces bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
4. Storage: The liver stores essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, as well as glycogen, a form of glucose that can be used for energy when needed.
5. Regulation of blood sugar levels: The liver helps regulate blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose as needed.
6. Production of proteins: The liver produces proteins that are essential for blood clotting, immune function, and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
7. Regulation of cholesterol levels: The liver helps regulate cholesterol levels by producing and excreting cholesterol as needed.
8. Synthesis of hormones: The liver plays a role in the synthesis of hormones, such as insulin and estrogen, that are important for various bodily functions.
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Google Gemini AI
6 hours ago
Metabolic Functions:
- Glycogenesis and Glycogenolysis: Stores and releases glucose as needed to maintain blood sugar levels. - Gluconeogenesis: Produces glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (e.g., proteins, fats) during fasting or low-carbohydrate states. - Lipolysis and Lipogenesis: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and synthesizes new fats for storage or energy production. - Ketone Body Production: Converts fatty acids into ketone bodies for energy use by the brain and other tissues during starvation or low-carbohydrate states. - Protein Synthesis: Produces plasma proteins (e.g., albumin, clotting factors) and other specialized proteins. - Bile Synthesis: Produces bile, which helps digest and absorb fats.
Detoxification Functions:
- Drug Metabolism: Breaks down and removes drugs and their metabolites from the body. - Alcohol Metabolism: Converts alcohol into harmless substances. - Ammonia Detoxification: Converts toxic ammonia into less harmful urea.
Homeostatic Functions:
- Blood Volume Regulation: Stores and releases blood as needed to maintain blood pressure. - Splenic Contraction: Contracts to release red blood cells into circulation during times of blood loss or stress. - Thermoregulation: Releases heat or cools the body as necessary to maintain core body temperature.
Storage Functions:
- Glycogen Storage: Stores glucose in the form of glycogen for quick energy release. - Vitamin Storage: Stores vitamins A, D, B12, and K. - Iron Storage: Stores iron in the form of ferritin.
Other Functions:
- Immunological Function: Contains immune cells that help filter toxins and pathogens from the blood. - Blood Coagulation: Produces clotting factors necessary for blood coagulation. - Endocrine Function: Produces hormones such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). - Reservoir of Blood: Contains approximately 13% of the body's blood volume.