Answer:
1. Bili production
2. Protein and cholesterol production
3. Regulates aminoácids in the blood
4. Iron processing in hemoglobin
5. Toxin processing
- Urea
- Poisons
- Medicine residue
6. Vitamin and protein storage
Explanation:
Think of the liver as a form of "customs" for the body. The liver processes and regulates what enters the blood stream, as well as getting rid of harmful toxins that could damage the body. An example of this would be processing dead blood cells. These cells contain a substance called bilirubin, which breaks down the "heme" in the blood cells once they die/are damaged. Should there be a problem with the liver, the bilirubin can build up and cause a condition called jaundice. This is harmful as if damages elastin-rich tissue.
However, if the liver functions properly, it produces bile through which bilirubin can be disposed of. The liver produces a bile that is stored in the gallbladder, which then can be ejected into the duodenum (intestine) to liquified food. This is essential to help with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The liver plays a huge role in metabolism. It synthesizes proteins as well as amino acids. Some of the proteins sythnesized are used for blood clotting factors. It also does lipid metabolism, where it produces cholesterol.
Any build up of toxins in the body goes through the liver in order to be excreted. This excretion is done through bile of through urine. The name "urea" is produced in the blood-stream, and can be fatal if not treated. Fortunately, the liver does the job as it extracts it from the bloodstream and ejects it.
Finally, the liver builds up "fat" as it processes lipids and glucose. Should there not be enough glucose, the liver breaks down its glycogen storage to act as an "emergency reserve", thus providing energy to the body.
Check out John Hopkins Medicine website if you want to learn about the liver more in-depth. It's a very complex organ, and there are whole careers based off of studying it alone.
