Breakdown Functions of Liver

Breakdown Functions of Liver

Anatomy of the Liver

  • The liver is a large organ located in your upper right abdomen.

  • It is divided into two main lobes, the right and the left lobe, which are further divided into smaller lobes known as segments.

Breakdown Functions of the Liver

Metabolism

  • The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, which is the process the body uses to convert food into energy.

  • It metabolises carbohydrates, breaking down glucose for energy and storing excess glucose as glycogen.

  • The liver also metabolises fats, breaking down fatty acids for energy and producing cholesterol.

Detoxification

  • The liver is responsible for detoxification, filtering harmful substances from the bloodstream for excretion.

  • Substances processed for detoxification include drugs, alcohol, and toxic waste products like ammonia, which is converted into a less toxic compound called urea.

Blood Clotting

  • The liver is essential for the production of proteins involved in blood clotting, including prothrombin and fibrinogen.

Production of Bile

  • The liver produces bile, which is crucial for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.

  • Bile breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to act on.

Storage

  • The liver stores vitamins (A, D, E, K and B12) and minerals (iron and copper), releasing them into the blood when needed.

Liver Diseases

  • Problems with the liver can lead to diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer.

  • Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections.

  • Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver tissue which can prevent the organ from properly functioning.

  • The liver is also susceptible to cancer, which can be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary (spread from another part of the body).

Understanding the breakdown functions of the liver is essential in understanding its crucial role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. Misfunction or disease of the liver can have significant impact on the body’s ability to properly digest food, detoxify harmful substances, and store vitamins for later use.