Functions of Liver

Functions of Liver

1. Manufacturing bile

   • The liver synthesises bile which is important for fat digestion as it emulsifies fats to accelerate digestion (by lipases), and is also a route of excretion from the body.

2. Synthesising triglycerides

   • The liver synthesises and stores triglycerides from excess carbohydrates and proteins. This is important for when the body requires the use of fatty acids as an energy source.

3. Breakdown of old red blood cells

   • Kupffer cells capture and break down old red blood cells which are passing through the sinusoids.  Hepatocytes then metabolize haemoglobin and the haem group is converted into bilirubin (this is what gives faeces a brown colour)

4. Vitamin storage

   • The hepatocytes take up many types of vitamins from the blood and stores them. Vitamins include vitamin D for calcium absorption, A for retinal production B12 for the manufacturing of haemoglobin and coenzymes, and vitamin E.

5. Manufacturing plasma proteins

   • Hepatocytes are responsible for synthesis of plasma proteins albumin, fibrinogen, globulin and prothrombin. The liver also synthesizes many of the clotting factors necessary for blood coagulation.

6. Cholesterol regulation

   • The liver synthesizes large quantities of cholesterol, most of which is converted into bile salts, which are incorporated into bile and stored in the gallbladder.

7. Mineral storage

   • The hepatocytes also take up many types of minerals from the blood and stores them. Minerals include potassium, copper and iron, all of which are important for enzyme function.

8. Detoxification

   • The liver’s phagocytes within the Kupffer cells digest and destroy any invading bacteria. The liver is responsible for breaking down toxic substances including hydrogen peroxide, hormones (e.g. testosterone), alcohol and drugs.