Hi Friends!!!

In our previous anatomy and physiology session we have discussed about Lung Anatomy, Function and Disease, Anatomy of Kidney, Functions of Kidney, Anatomy of Liver. Please check out for the link below.

Functions of Kidney
Lung Anatomy, Function and Disease
Anatomy of Kidney
Anatomy of Liver

Being a healthcare professional, it is very important to have knowledge about human body.

Today we are going to discuss about Functions of Liver.

Liver is one of the important organs in our human body. It is the second largest organ in our body. Therefore it is important for every healthcare professionals to know in detail about liver.

Let's get into the topic.

FUNCTIONS OF LIVER

Liver performs majority of functions in human body. Liver helps in regulating blood sugar levels and also contributes to production, excretion, metabolism, activation, storage and synthesis of many factors.

Here are some of the most important functions of liver.

1. Enzyme activation.

2. Production of immune factors for resisting

infections.

3. Metabolism of fats, proteins and

carbohydrates.

4. Makes certain proteins for blood plasma,

such as albumin.

5. Regulating blood clotting.

6. Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and

minerals.

7. Bile production and excretion.

8. Excretion of bilirubin from red blood cells.

The bilirubin secretion in blood may lead to

yellowish skin and eyes.

9. Excretion of cholesterol, hormones and

drugs.

Let’s discuss in detail about the above-mentioned functions in detail.

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IMMUNOLOGICAL FUNCTION

Liver is a part of mononuclear phagocyte system. It contains high numbers of Kupffer cells that are involved in immune activity. Kupffer cells are cells which destroy any disease-causing agents which might enter the liver through the gut. As a part of filtering process, liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream.

SYNTHESIS OF ALBUMIN

Albumin is most common protein in blood serum. It transports fatty acids and steroid hormones to help maintain the correct pressure and prevent the leaking of blood vessels.

SYNTHESIS OF ANGIOTENSINOGEN

During the production of an enzyme called renin in the kidneys, the angiotensinogen raises the blood pressure by narrowing the blood vessels.

BILE PRODUCTION

Bile is a fluid which is very critical for the process of digestion. Bile also helps small intestine break down and absorb fat, cholesterol and some vitamins. Bile consists of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes, and water.

CARBOHYDRATE METABOLIZATION

Carbohydrates are stored in the liver, where they are broken into glucose and siphoned into bloodstream to maintain control glucose levels.

VITAMINS AND MINERAL STORAGE

Liver stores significant amount of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12 as well as iron and copper. Liver stores iron from hemoglobin in the form of ferritin, which are ready to make new red blood cells.

FILTERING OF BLOOD

All blood leaving the stomach and intestine pass through liver, which filters and removes waste substances like toxins, byproducts and other harmful substances.

SUPPORTING BLOOD CLOTS

Vitamin K is necessary for the creation of certain coagulants that helps in clotting of the blood. Bile is essential for vitamin K absorption and is created in the liver. If the liver does not produce enough bile, there will be a lack clotting factors.

GLUCOSE PROCESSING

Liver converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage and makes glucose available when needed.

AMMONIA EXCRETION

The liver converts ammonia to urea, which is then excreted via urine.

REGENERATION

As long as 25 percentage of the liver remains healthy it can regenerate completely without any lost in its function and ability. Liver is the only organ that can regenerate completely and it regrows to its previous size. The new liver tissue is indistinguishable from the original tissue.

Factors that helps in regrowth of liver as follows.

1. Hepatocyte growth factor.

2. Interleukin-6.

3. Insulin.

4. Norepinephrine.

5. Transforming growth factor-alpha.

6. Epidermal growth factor.

Now I hope you have acquired some knowledge about Functions of Liver. We will discuss in detail about a topic related to biomedical engineering in our future blogs.

NOTE: Dear friends!!!... Please do comment a topic related to Biomedical, so that we can discuss it in future blogs.

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