The Function of the Liver in the Body

What is the function of the liver in the body?

Below is a brief description of the liver's function

The liver is a very active and important organ which has many functions in the body. 

The liver produces bile which is secreted through bile ducts and stored in the gall bladder. When fatty foods reach the duodenum, bile is released in order to emulsify and break down the fats.

Another important function is the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen. This glycogen can be converted back to glucose and released when required by the body to provide energy and control the blood glucose level.

The liver also processes amino acids so they can be used as an energy source.This involves removing th amine groups of the amino acids, converting them into ammonia and eventually urea which can be excreted as urine.

Blood plasma proteins, including those involved in formation of blood clots are produced by the liver as well as albumins that affect the cells of the body in order that they do not gain or lose water in the presence of body fluids.

The liver has important functions with regards to vitamins and iron. The vitamins A, B12, E, K, and D, and the minerals iron and copper are stored by the liver to provide a constant supply of these essential substances to the tissues of the body.

The liver also removes toxic substances from the body such as alcohol and drugs, and also functions as an organ of immunity by removing bacteria in the blood which could be the result of a bacterial infection. The liver can literally give your body a detox!

All in all, the liver plays a vital role in the general health of the body and should be treated with the respect it deserves!