The liver is a large organ in the upper right abdomen, protected by the lower rib cage. This organ carries out more than 500 known functions, according to the University of Virginia Health System. Liver functions can be broadly grouped into production of needed body substances, metabolism, detoxification and storage.
Blood Protein Production
The liver produces proteins that circulate in the blood, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. The most abundant protein produced by the liver is albumin. The liver also produces globulin proteins, which act as chemical and hormone carriers in the bloodstream. Both types of proteins are essential to maintaining normal body functions. Albumin deficiency causes fluid leakage into the body tissues. Globulin deficiency can cause widespread metabolic disturbances in the body.
Clotting Factors Production
The formation of blood clots, which stop bleeding due to injury, requires a series of proteins called clotting factors. The liver is the primary source of clotting factor production in the body, according to Colorado State University. Severe liver disease may decrease clotting factor production, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
Bile Production and Secretion
The liver is responsible for the production of bile, a substance needed for the intestinal breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, advises the American College of Gastroenterology. Bile is also required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Decreased bile production by a diseased liver may cause weight loss, vitamin deficiencies and jaundice, or yellow discoloration of the skin.
Sugar Storage and Production
The liver stores excess blood sugar in the form of glycogen, notes the University of Virginia Health System. When circulating blood sugar levels begin to drop, the liver converts stored glycogen into sugar and releases it into the bloodstream. If glycogen stores within the liver are depleted and the body needs sugar, the liver manufactures sugar from the breakdown products of proteins and fats.
Drug, Toxin and Hormone Metabolism
The American College of Gastroenterology explains the metabolism of many prescription and over-the-counter medications takes place in the liver. An important group of enzymes, the cytochrome P450 system, is a primary agent in liver drug metabolism. Drug and toxin metabolism slows significantly when the liver is severely diseased. Medication doses of liver-metabolized drugs must be adjusted downward to accommodate for this loss of function in people with severe liver disease. The liver also metabolizes and inactivates toxins such as alcohol. Hormone levels in the body are partially regulated by the liver, which deactivates many hormones or alters them to other forms.
Fat Metabolism
The liver is a primary site of fat metabolism in the body, notes Colorado State University. It processes absorbed fats from the intestine and releases them into the bloodstream in a form other body cells can utilize. The liver converts excess dietary fat to sugar and stores it. Alternatively, excess fat may be excreted in the bile. The liver manufactures needed body fats, including cholesterol and fatty acids.
References
- University of Virginia Health System: The Liver, Anatomy and Functions
- Colorado State University, Biomedical Hypertext Books: Metabolic Functions of the Liver
- Colorado State University, Biomedical Hypertext Books: Secretion of Bile and the Role of Bile Acids in Digestion
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Liver Disease, Functions of the Liver
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Your Liver
