The Structure and Functions of the Liver

The liver is a large reddish-brown organ with two lobes. It is the largest internal organ with an average weight of about 1.25 kg. It is beneath the diaphragm at the upper right portion of the abdomen.

Functions of the Liver:

1. It regulates blood sugar levels.

2. Production of bile for emulsification of fatsThis is the process of breaking down the complex fat molecules converted into smaller fat molecules by the bile salts secreted by the liver that will be easier to digest with... More.

3. Protein synthesis.

4. Heat production: When the body’s temperature drops, the liver releases stored glucose into the bloodstream. This glucose is then used by cells to produce energyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit... More, a process that also generates heat. This helps to raise the body’s temperature and prevent hypothermia

5. DetoxificationDetoxification or detoxication is the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver. The liver is... More: of poisonous and toxic materials like drugs, food preservatives and pollutants in air and water.

6. Carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolismMetabolism is the sum of the chemical reactions that take place within each cell of a living organism and that provide energy for vital processes and for synthesizing new organic material.... More. 

7. Stores vitamins A and D, and iron.

8. Stores vitamin K which is used in the process of blood clotting.

9. Breaks down worn-out cells: The liver helps break down old red blood cells and recycle the reusable elements.

10. DeaminationDeamination is the removal of an amino group from a molecule. Deaminase removes the amino group and the nitrogen waste is converted to ammonia and then removed from the body through... More (of amino acids) converts excess amino acid in the blood into ammonia and keto acid which are less harmful to the body.

Regulation of Blood Sugar:

The cells of the body need glucose for tissue respiration which provides them with energy to perform important activities.

Glucose levels may fall during strenuous exercise, starvation, or fasting and may rise after each meal. A sudden and drastic drop in the blood sugar level can be dangerous.

When the blood glucose level increases above normal, the pancreas is stimulated to secrete more insulinInsulin is an essential hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps the body turn food into energy and manages blood sugar levels. The role of insulin in the body is to... More into the bloodstream. Insulin is then transported to the liver where it causes the liver to convert excess glucose to glycogen which is stored in the liver.

If the blood glucose level decreases, the pancreas is stimulated to secrete another hormoneHormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate various functions in the body by traveling through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues. They play crucial... More, called glucagon, into the bloodstream. It is transported to the liver and converts the stored glycogen back to glucose. Glucose is restored back to normal levels as it enters the bloodstream.