Functions of Liver

If we consider in terms of function performed liver is the most important organ in human body. Liver performs hundred of functions. Some important functions of liver are mentioned below:

Filtering of Blood

Liver acts as filter in human body. All blood passes through the liver , and as blood passes through the liver, it breaks down substances, such as prescription or over-the-counter drugs, street drugs, alcohol, and caffeine. Our body naturally produces some harmful chemical toxic materials which also removed when blood passes through liver.

Production of Bile

Bile is a clear yellow or orange fluid produced by liver. Bile juice is helpful in digestion process and helps in absorption of fats in small intestine.

Storage of Vitamins and Minerals

Liver stores significant amount of vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K. It also stores iron and copper. It stores iron in the form of ferritin to form new red blood cells.

Albumin Production

Albumin transports fatty acids and steroids to maintain correct pressure and prevent leakage of blood vessels.

Regulates Blood Clotting

Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces.

Resists Infections

Liver filters the blood and the liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream.

Absorption of Bilirubin

Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of Haemoglobin. The iron released is stored in the liver to make next-generation blood cells.

Liver is one of the largest glands found in vertebrates. Several functions are performed by the liver such as chemical production, Carbohydrate Metabolization, Storage of Vitamins and Minerals, Metabolization of Proteins, Filtering of Blood, and many Immunological Functions. In this article, we are going to learn about the position of liver inside human body, structure of liver, functions of liver, the chemicals produced by liver which help in digestion, and some diseases that affect liver.

Liver filters the blood of the whole body and removes toxic substances, chemicals, and bacteria from bloodstream. The liver performs several functions and it is not possible to mention all functions performed by it. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Liver also helps in the extraction of energy, vitamins, and minerals. The liver removes excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose.