Summary
Processes nutrients, detoxifies blood, makes bile and proteins and stores glycogen.
In depth
Over 500 functions: metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, urea formation, detoxification of alcohol and drugs, bile production, plasma protein synthesis (albumin, clotting factors), storage of iron and vitamins. It can regenerate.
Hepatocytes are organised in lobules with sinusoids. The liver receives blood from hepatic artery and portal vein. It makes bile stored in the gallbladder.
Key idea: the liver processes everything absorbed from the gut.
The liver weighs about 1.5 kg and has dual blood supply: hepatic artery (oxygenated) and hepatic portal vein (nutrient-rich). Hepatocytes are arranged in lobules, with sinusoids, and Kupffer cells (macrophages) clear bacteria. It stores glycogen, iron, vitamins A, D, B12 and K, makes plasma proteins (albumin, clotting factors), cholesterol and bile, and converts ammonia to urea (urea cycle). Detoxification uses cytochrome P450 enzymes and conjugation.
The liver regenerates: after removing two-thirds, it regrows to near original size in weeks. Diseases include hepatitis viruses, fatty liver (NAFLD), alcohol-related disease (cirrhosis), and cancer. Jaundice appears when bilirubin accumulates. Liver function tests measure enzymes (ALT, AST).
Example: paracetamol overdose damages the liver because a toxic metabolite exhausts glutathione.
Frequently asked questions
What is Liver Functions?
Processes nutrients, detoxifies blood, makes bile and proteins and stores glycogen.
Which area of biology covers Liver Functions, and how advanced is it?
Liver Functions is one of the 51 topics in Human Physiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Blood Components, Cardiovascular Disease Mechanisms, Excretory System.
Can you give an example of Liver Functions?
Hepatitis and cirrhosis damage it.
What should I learn before Liver Functions?
Work through the Beginner topics in Human Physiology first, such as Homeostasis, Tissues and Organs, Skeletal System, then return to Liver Functions. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Liver Functions?
The closest topics to Liver Functions are Blood Components, Cardiovascular Disease Mechanisms, Excretory System, Nephron Function. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Liver Functions?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Liver Functions. To practise the whole of Human Physiology, use the Human Physiology quiz.
How is Liver Functions different from Blood Components?
Liver Functions: Processes nutrients, detoxifies blood, makes bile and proteins and stores glycogen. Blood Components: Plasma, red cells, white cells and platelets carry out transport, defence and clotting. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Liver Functions step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Blood Components and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Human Physiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.