The liver performs a multitude of vital functions necessary for survival. Here are 8 key functions of the liver, based on available information:
Liver Functions Overview
The liver is a central organ with diverse roles, including metabolic processing, storage, and detoxification. Its functions are crucial for maintaining overall health.
8 Key Liver Functions
Based on the provided reference(s), here are 8 main functions of the liver:
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Bile Production and Excretion: The liver produces bile, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
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Excretion of Substances: The liver excretes bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown), cholesterol, hormones, and drugs. This removal process prevents the buildup of harmful substances in the body.
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Metabolism of Fats, Proteins, and Carbohydrates: The liver plays a central role in metabolizing these macronutrients. It processes fats for energy, converts proteins into usable forms, and regulates carbohydrate storage and release.
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Enzyme Activation: The liver activates certain enzymes, converting them into their functional forms to catalyze various biochemical reactions in the body.
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Storage of Glycogen, Vitamins, and Minerals: The liver stores glycogen (a form of glucose), vitamins (such as A, D, E, and K), and minerals (like iron and copper). This storage ensures a readily available supply of these essential nutrients.
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Synthesis of Plasma Proteins: The liver synthesizes various plasma proteins, including albumin (which helps maintain blood volume and pressure) and clotting factors (essential for blood coagulation).
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Detoxification: Although not explicitly mentioned as a primary function in the provided reference, the liver plays a critical role in detoxifying harmful substances from the blood. It filters the blood, removing toxins, drugs, and other waste products.
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Immune Function: The liver contains immune cells, such as Kupffer cells, that help remove bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the bloodstream. This contributes to the body's immune defense.
Liver Function Summary Table
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Bile Production | Aids in fat digestion and absorption. |
| Excretion | Removes bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs. |
| Macronutrient Metabolism | Processes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. |
| Enzyme Activation | Converts inactive enzymes to active forms. |
| Storage | Stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals. |
| Plasma Protein Synthesis | Produces albumin and clotting factors. |
| Detoxification | Filters blood and removes toxins. |
| Immune Function | Contains immune cells to help remove bacteria and viruses from the bloodstream. |
