why do we need our liver for?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

The liver is one of the largest organs in the body, yet it gets very little respect. The brain, heart, and lungs are always described as essential to the body’s health. Without the liver, though, the physical body could not operate.

In general, people do not think about their liver until it malfunctions. Rodney Dangerfield always says: “What does a guy have to do to get some respect around here?” This questions truly applies to the liver and its operations. Since none of its functions can be observed, as the heartbeat, pulse, or respiratory rate, the liver is the last thing people think of or value.

Yet the liver is the link between the digestive and the circulatory systems. Some of the most important functions of the liver follow.

• The liver secretes bile that aids in the digestion of our food; for without it digestion could not take place.

• The liver detoxifies the blood and stores glucose, (i.e., sugar) the chief source of energy for the body.

• The liver acts as storage for numerous vitamins and minerals.

• The liver makes various substances that aid in the clotting of blood.

• The liver regulates the body’s metabolism.

• Finally, the liver regenerates itself.

These are just a few of the more than 500 functions of the liver.

Answer 3

The liver:Stores and Mobilizes Energy
Controls Blood Sugar (Glucose)
Regulates Glycogen
Regulates Fat Storage
Aids Digestion
Produces Bile
Regulates Blood Clotting
Manufactures
Clotting Factors
Other Blood Proteins
(During gestation the liver, forms blood in place of bone marrow.)
Produces Several (Non-Reproductive) Hormones
Manufactures Cholesterol (a certain amount of cholesterol is beneficial)
Filters Blood
Eliminates Bacteria
Detoxifies Poisons
Externally-Derived Poisons
Alcohol
Byproducts of Metabolism
Bilirubin
Breaks down Drugs
Produces Vitamins
Vitamin D
Stores Minerals
Iron
Produces Essential Immune System Factors
Monitors, as Well as Manufactures, Countless other Blood Proteins, to Maintain the Proper Levels of Numerous Chemicals in the Body.
So now you know why you need your liver!!

Answer 4

To serve with some chianti and some nice fava beans.

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.

Answer 5

Source:
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps to break down fats, preparing them for further digestion and absorption. All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down the nutrients and drugs in the blood into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:



production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion


production of certain proteins for blood plasma


production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body


conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (This glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy.)


regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins


processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (The liver stores iron.)


conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (Urea is one of the end products of protein metabolism that is excreted in the urine.)


clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances


regulating blood clotting


resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the blood stream
When the liver has broken down harmful substances, they are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the feces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys and leave the body in the form of urine.

Answer 6

The liver filters the blood

Answer 7

The liver is our most vital organ in the body. Without it, you cannot live! It filters out deadly toxins out of our body. Excessive amounts of alcohol can damage the liver, which is a very bad thing indeed. I hope that this helps you out some.

Answer 8

Your liver is a trap for poisons in your blood system. This is why people who drink a lot of alcohol distroy their livers.

Answer 9

Our liver filters out the bad things in our bloodstream to keep it clean. More complex than that but I know that's it's main function.

Answer 10

The liver is one of our most vital organs because it helps flush out toxens.

Like when you drink alot your liver temporarily shuts down because of the overload and its impossible to clear alot of alcohol out of the system without puking.