2.3 The Liver

• The Liver

  • The LIVER is the largest organ in the body
  • Receives nutrient RICH blood from the SMALL INTESTINE
  • Serves as gatekeeper before blood enters general circulation
  • Removes excess nutrients from our blood and aids in detoxification
• Liver functions > 1. digestion

  • The only DIGESTIVE function of the LIVER is the production of BILE, which emulsifies fat
  • BILE is

  > Produced in the Liver

  > Stored in the gallbladder

  > Released into the small intestine

  • partially made from red blood cells, which is one of the main things that makes our stool look brown
• Liver functions > 2. Blood sugar regulation 


  Directly after a meal

  • Our pancreas produces the hormone INSULIN in response to HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
  • INSULIN is sent to the liver where it converts extra GLUCOSE into glycogen
  • INSULIN also sends a signal for cell to let GLUCOSE IN
  • insulin production is stopped is stopped when blood sugar levels return to normal
• Liver functions > 3. VITAMIN AND MINERAL STORAGE

  • the liver also takes up and stores a number of fat soluble vitamins and MINERALS
  • Vitamins A,D,E,K
  • IRON
• Liver functions > 4. Making blood proteins

  • The liver produces many important BLOOD PROTEINS such as

  > fibrinogen { for blood clotting}

  > Albumin { regulates blood pressure }

  > Globulin { aids in immune system }
• Liver functions > 5. Excretion

  • The LIVER is involved in many excretory FUNCTIONS

  -Breakdown of red blood cells

  > uses pigments to produce bile

  > stores Iron for later use

  -Detoxification

  >breaks down poisons and non-food substances such as alcohol, nicotines, caffeine, drugs

  -UREA production

  >helps to break down amino acids into UREA

  >released in urine