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The liver is an extremely active organ. are present
in each lobule.
The main functions are
 Deaminates amino acids a. Removes the nitrogenous
portion from the amino acids, not required for the
formation of new protein, and forms urea from this
nitrogenous portion which is excreted in urine. b.
Breaks down the nucleoprotein of worn-out cells of the
body to form uric acid, which is excreted in the
urine.
Converts glucose to glycogen in the
presence of insulin, and changes liver glycogen to
glucose in the presence of glucagon. These changes are
important regulators of he blood glucose level. After a
meal portal blood has a high glucose content and insulin
converts some to glycogen. Glucagon converts this
glycogen to glucose, as it is needed to maintain the
blood glucose level within relatively narrow limits.
Desaturates fat, i.e., converts
stored fat to a form in which it can be used by the
tissues to provide energy.
Produces heat. The
liver used a considerable amount of energy, has a high
metabolic rate and produces a great deal of heat. It is
the main heat producing organ of the body.
Secretes bile. The liver cells
synthesis the constituents of bile from the mixed
arterial and venous blood in the sinusoids. These
include bile salts, bile pigments,
cholesterol.
Stores a. Vitamin
b12 (anti-anaemic factor) b. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D,
E, K c. Water soluble vitamins, e.g., riboflavin,
niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid d. iron, copper.
Synthesis vitamin A from carotene,
the provitamin found in some plants e.g., carrots and
green leaves of vegetables.
Synthesis non-essential amino acids, plasma
proteins and most of the blood clotting factors from the
available amino acids.
Detoxicates drugs and noxious substances, such as
toxins produced by microbes.
Metabolises ethanol in alcoholic drinks.
Inactivates hormones, including
insulin, glucagon, cortisol, aldosterone, thyroid and
sex hormones.
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