Normal liver function
Introduction
The liver plays biochemical role in the metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and elimination of substances from the body. The liver is involved in a number of excretory, synthetic, and metabolic functions which are essential to life.
1. Metabolic functions:-
Carbohydrate metabolism
- Gluconeogenesis
- Glycogenesis
- Glycogenolysis
Lipid metabolism
- Fatty acid synthesis
- Cholesterol synthesis and excretion
- Synthesis of triglycerides and phospholipids
- Lipoprotein synthesis
- Ketogenesis
- Bile acid synthesis
Protein metabolism
- Synthesis of plasma proteins e.g. coagulation factors
- Synthesis of albumin and some extent of α and β globulins
- Urea synthesis from ammonia derived from deamination of amino acids.
2. Storage functions:- The liver is major site for storage of
- Glycogen
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin A
- Iron
3. Excretory functions:-
- The liver cells are responsible for conjugation of bilirubin and its excretion into the
biliary tract.
-The liver excretes cholesterol and foreign substance into the biliary tract.
4. Detoxification function:-
- The detoxification of drug by the liver (e.g. phenobarbitone).
- Steroid hormones are conjugated with glucuronic acid and sulfate in the liver and are
excreted in urine.
- Benzoic acid is conjugated with glycine to form Hippuric acid which is excreted in
urine.
5. Synthetic function:-
- The liver produces clotting factors like factor V, VII, and X and fibrinogen.
- The liver cells convert preprothrombin(inactive) to prothrombin(active) in the
presence of vitamin K.
The liver produces albumin and some α & β globulin.
6. Secretory function:
-
The liver responsible for formation and secretion of bile into intestine
This article is important for medicine students
ردحذفThis article is important for medicine students
ردحذف