Liver

Definition

The liver is a vital organ in the human body that plays a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. It is the largest internal organ and is responsible for producing bile, which aids in the digestion of fats, as well as processing nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract. Additionally, the liver acts as a filter for toxins and waste products, ensuring that they are excreted from the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The liver can regenerate itself, meaning it can grow back to its full size even after significant damage or partial removal.
2. It plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels by storing glucose as glycogen and releasing it when needed.
3. The liver produces several important proteins, including clotting factors that are essential for blood coagulation.
4. It is involved in the metabolism of drugs and medications, breaking them down and helping to eliminate them from the body.
5. The liver also converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea for safe excretion in urine.

Review Questions

• What are the primary functions of the liver in relation to digestion and metabolism?
  • The primary functions of the liver include the production of bile, which aids in fat digestion, and processing nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract. The liver converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage and releases it back into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels drop. Additionally, it metabolizes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, playing a central role in maintaining energy balance within the body.
• How does the structure of hepatocytes contribute to their function in the liver?
  • Hepatocytes are specialized liver cells that have a unique structure suited for their metabolic roles. They possess numerous mitochondria for energy production and a large surface area with microvilli to maximize nutrient absorption. These cells also contain specialized enzymes that facilitate various biochemical reactions, allowing hepatocytes to efficiently process nutrients, detoxify harmful substances, and synthesize essential proteins.
• Evaluate how liver dysfunction can impact overall health and what systems might be affected.
  • Liver dysfunction can lead to a range of health issues due to its central role in metabolism and detoxification. When the liver fails to perform its functions effectively, it can result in an accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, affecting multiple body systems. For example, impaired liver function can disrupt glucose metabolism leading to diabetes, impact blood coagulation resulting in increased bleeding risk, and affect lipid metabolism causing cardiovascular problems. Overall health can decline significantly due to these cascading effects on various bodily functions.

Related terms

Bile: A digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats, making them easier to digest and absorb.

Hepatocyte: The main functional cell of the liver, responsible for performing various metabolic processes and synthesizing proteins.

Portal Vein: A major vein that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver, allowing for the processing of nutrients and toxins.