liver
liver, largest glandular organ of the body, weighing about 3 lb (1.36 kg). It is reddish brown in color and is divided into four lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Blood is carried to the liver via two large vessels: the hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta, and the portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine. These blood vessels subdivide in the liver repeatedly, terminating in minute capillaries. Each capillary leads to a lobule. Liver tissue is composed of thousands of lobules, and each lobule is made up of hepatic cells, the basic metabolic cells of the liver. One of the liver's major functions is the manufacture and secretion of bile, which is stored in the gall bladder and released in the small intestine. Bile salts emulsify fats, a process that prepares the latter for digestion by the intestinal enzymes (see digestive system). The hepatic cells assimilate carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They convert glucose to its stored form, glycogen, which is reconverted into glucose as the body requires it for energy. The ability of the liver to maintain the proper level of glucose in the blood is called its glucose buffer function. The end products of fat digestion, fatty acids, are used to synthesize cholesterol and other substances needed by the body. Excess carbohydrates and protein are also converted into fat by the liver. Digested proteins in the form of amino acids are broken down further in the liver by deamination. Part of the amino acid molecule is converted into glycogen and other compounds. Urea, a waste product of protein breakdown, is produced by the liver, a process which removes poisonous ammonia from the body fluids. The liver is also capable of synthesizing certain amino acids (the so-called nonessential amino acids) from other amino acids in a process called transamination. Some essential components of blood are manufactured by the liver, including about 95% of the plasma proteins and the blood-clotting substances (fibrinogen, prothrombin, and other coagulation factors). The liver also filters harmful substances from the blood. Phagocytic cells in the liver, called Kupffer cells, remove large amounts of debris and bacteria. In addition, the liver stores important vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, K, and B12. Several diseases states can affect the liver, such as hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis (a chronic inflammation that progresses ultimately to organ failure). Alcohol alters the metabolism of the liver, which can have overall detrimental effects over long periods of abuse. In 1994, a bioartificial liver, part machine, part cloned living liver cells, was used for the first time. Functioning somewhat like a kidney dialysis machine, the bioartificial liver can support patients with acute liver failure until their own livers regenerate, or it can be used by patients while waiting for a liver transplant.
2006-06-27 23:48:53
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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The liver is an organ in vertebrates, including humans. It plays a major role in metabolism and has a number of functions in the body including glycogen storage, plasma protein synthesis, and drug detoxification. It also produces bile, which is important in digestion. It has been described as the chemical plant of the body, as it performs and regulates a wide variety of high-volume biochemical reactions requiring specialized tissues. Medical terms related to the liver often start in hepato- or hepatic from the Greek word for liver, hepar.
2006-06-28 01:20:02
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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The liver is a very vital body organ. It has so many functions that our Biology teacher told us, "Quote LIVER if you are not sure of an answer."
The main functions of the liver are:
- Stores excess glucose in the form of glycogen
- Stores fatty acids, vitamins
- Breaks down Red Blood Cells to make bile (which is needed in the digestive system)
- Acts as a blood reservoir
- Filters toxins and waste products from the blood
- Produces vital substances such as plasma proteins
2006-06-28 00:09:41
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answer #3
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answered by MO 2
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Liver,the largest gland of human body,performs the following functions: 1 seceretes 'BILE' a digestive juice 2 destroys the worn out RBC's 3 Produces Haemoglobin Well getting that much for know
2016-03-27 06:42:35
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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I"The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body. It weighs about one pound in adults and is made up of a spongy mass of wedge-shaped lobes. The liver has numerous functions that are necessary for life. The liver helps process carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and stores vitamins. It processes nutrients absorbed from food in the intestines and turns them into materials that the body needs for life. For example, it makes the factors that the blood needs for clotting. It also secretes bile to help digest fats, and breaks down toxic substances in the blood such as drugs and alcohol. The liver is also responsible for the metabolism of most drugs."
2006-06-27 23:49:47
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answer #5
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answered by Seikilos 6
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The liver does a lot. The main usage is for breaking down blood cells, hormones and toxins, also it produces bile for storage in the gall bladder. The liver processes haemoglobin and processes red blood cells.
2006-06-28 06:19:48
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answer #6
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answered by iknowthis 2
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Our liver is like a filter and it absorbs certain essential nutrients from the passing digested food; produces bile juice and pigments which gives yellow colouring to the faeces. This is the reason when the color of the faeces changes, this might be a disorder of the liver - for example: jaundice, alcohol, scirrosis etc.,
2006-06-28 00:14:49
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answer #7
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answered by 2HOT2HOLD 2
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So that U could Drink Alcohol Alot And get Ur Liver Damaged
2006-06-27 23:42:46
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answer #8
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answered by abhi_tidd4u 2
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The liver has several fucntions ranging from creating bile,the center for the storage of excess digestive metabolites eg it is in the liver where excess glucose is conveterd into a stable compound glycogen
2006-06-28 01:40:52
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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The liver is important for the body because it take break down toxins in the body, produce bile for fat aboration, produce and break down red blood cells.
2006-06-27 23:43:45
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answer #10
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answered by Mr Hex Vision 7
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