The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, and its responsibilities live up to its weight. It is a solid organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, or just beneath the bottom segment of ribs on the right side of the body. Tasked with metabolism, detoxification, processing of used cells and other odd jobs, the liver is one of the busiest organs in your body.
Metabolism
The liver plays several important roles in your body's metabolism. It is responsible for much of the body's protein processing, including the breakdown of proteins into amino acids as well as the construction of new proteins. It controls the glycogen stores in the body, creating or breaking down glycogen into glucose and regulating energy supplies in your body. The liver also creates bile, a thick fluid that helps break down fat in your intestines.
Synthesis
Your liver produces, or synthesizes, many key proteins and hormones. It is responsible for the hormone thrombopoietin, a glycoprotein that controls the production of platelet blood cells in your bone marrow. The liver also makes several coagulation factors, the proteins that stick to those platelets when your blood clots. Working in tandem with its metabolic function, the liver synthesizes cholesterol and triglyceride fats, as well as the protein albumin, a component of blood plasma that helps regulate fluids in the body.
Breakdown
Like its production and metabolic properties, the liver also breaks down substances for reuse, like proteins and amino acids, or for disposal through the intestines or urinary tract. The most obvious product disposed of is called bilirubin, a byproduct created when the liver breaks down dead red blood cells. The bilirubin is sent into the intestines in bile or to the renal system and is then disposed of through stool and urine. This pigment creates the yellow color associated with jaundice.
Like blood cells, the liver can also break down substances like alcohol into less harmful forms that can be excreted into the renal system. This process is responsible for a great part of the detoxification abilities of your body, including the processing of foods and medications.
References
- "Living with Hepatitis C" Gregory T. Everson, 2009
- "Tufts University": Understanding Liver Function Tests
