The Liver and Its Functions
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It removes toxins from the body’s
blood supply, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, regulates blood clotting, and
performs hundreds of other vital functions. It is located beneath the rib cage in
the right upper abdomen.
K ey Facts
The liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous
substances, such as alcohol and drugs.
The liver also produces bile, a fluid that helps digest fats and carry away
waste.
The liver consists of four lobes, which are each made up of eight sections
and thousands of lobules (or small lobes).
Fu nctions of the Liver
The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs over 500 vital functions.
These include removing waste products and foreign substances from the
bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels, and creating essential nutrients. Here
are some of its most important functions:
Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the
bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones,
vitamins, and enzymes through the body.
Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is critical to the digestion and absorption
of fats in the small intestine.
Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes
through the liver, which removes toxins, byproducts, and other harmful
substances.
Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depend on amino acids.
The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy.
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: As part of the filtering process, the liver also removes
bacteria from the bloodstream.
Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of
vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper.
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It removes toxins from the body’s
blood supply, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, regulates blood clotting, and
performs hundreds of other vital functions. It is located beneath the rib cage in
the right upper abdomen.
K ey Facts
The liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous
substances, such as alcohol and drugs.
The liver also produces bile, a fluid that helps digest fats and carry away
waste.
The liver consists of four lobes, which are each made up of eight sections
and thousands of lobules (or small lobes).
Fu nctions of the Liver
The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs over 500 vital functions.
These include removing waste products and foreign substances from the
bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels, and creating essential nutrients. Here
are some of its most important functions:
Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the
bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones,
vitamins, and enzymes through the body.
Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is critical to the digestion and absorption
of fats in the small intestine.
Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes
through the liver, which removes toxins, byproducts, and other harmful
substances.
Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depend on amino acids.
The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy.
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: As part of the filtering process, the liver also removes
bacteria from the bloodstream.
Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of
vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper.
