One of the vital organs of man is the liver. It is unpaired and located on the right side of the abdominal cavity. The liver performs about 70 different functions. All of them are so important for the life of the body that even a small disturbance in its functioning leads to serious diseases. In addition to participating in digestion, it cleanses the blood of poisons and toxins, is a repository of vitamins and minerals and performs many more functions. To help this body work without interruptions, you need to know what is the role of the liver in the human body.
Basic Information About This Authority
The liver is located in the right hypochondrium and takes up a lot of space in the abdominal cavity, because it is the largest internal organ. Its weight ranges from 1200 to 1800 grams. In shape, it resembles a convex hat of a mushroom. She got her name from the word "stove", as this body has a very high temperature. The most complicated chemical processes take place there, and work is going on without interruption.
It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of what is the role of the liver in the human body, because all the functions that it performs are vital for him. Therefore, this body has regenerative abilities, that is, it can recover itself. But the cessation of his activities leads to the death of a person in a couple of days.
Liver protective function
More than 400 times a day, all blood passes through this organ, cleansing itself of toxins, bacteria, poisons and viruses. The barrier role of the liver is that its cells break down all toxic substances, process them into a harmless water-soluble form and remove them from the body. They work as a complex chemical laboratory, neutralizing toxins that enter the body with food and air and are formed as a result of metabolic processes. What poisonous substances does the liver purify from?
- From preservatives, dyes and other additives found in foods.
- From bacteria and microbes that enter the intestines, and from their metabolic products.
- From alcohol, drugs and other toxic substances that enter the bloodstream with food.
- From exhaust gases and heavy metals from ambient air.
- From an excess of hormones and vitamins.
- From toxic products resulting from metabolism, such as phenol, acetone or ammonia.
Digestive function of the liver
It is in this organ that proteins, fats and carbohydrates coming from the intestine turn into an easily digestible form. The role of the liver in the digestion process is huge, because it is there that cholesterol, bile and many enzymes are formed, without which this process is impossible. They are released into the intestines through the duodenum and help in the digestion of food. The role of bile is especially important, which not only breaks down fats and promotes the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates, but also has a bactericidal effect, destroying the pathogenic microflora in the intestine.
The role of the liver in metabolism
Carbohydrates that come with food only in this organ turn into glycogen, which in the form of glucose enters the blood as needed. The process of gluconeogenesis provides the body with the right amount of glucose. The liver controls the level of insulin in the blood, depending on the needs of the person.
This organ is also involved in protein metabolism. It is in the liver that albumin, prothrombin, and other proteins that are important for the vital functions of the body are synthesized. Almost all cholesterol involved in the breakdown of fats and the formation of certain hormones also forms there. In addition, the liver takes an active part in water-mineral metabolism. It can accumulate up to 20% of blood and
serves as a repository of many minerals and vitamins.
The participation of the liver in the process of hematopoiesis
This body is called a "blood depot." In addition to the fact that up to two liters can be stored there, hematopoiesis proceeds in the liver. It synthesizes globulins and albumin, proteins that provide blood coagulation and fluidity. The liver is involved in the formation of iron, which is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. In addition to purifying the blood of toxic substances, this organ breaks down red blood cells, resulting in the production of bilirubin. It is in the liver that proteins are formed that perform transport functions for hormones and vitamins.
Storage of nutrients
Speaking about the role of the liver in the human body, it is impossible not to mention its function of accumulating the substances necessary for life. What is the repository of this body?
1. This is the only glycogen storage site. The liver accumulates it and, if necessary, throws it into the blood in the form of glucose.
2. About two liters of blood is there and is used only in case of severe blood loss or shock.
3. The liver is a storehouse of vitamins necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Especially a lot of vitamins A and B12 are stored in it.
4. This body forms and accumulates cations of metals necessary for the body, for example, iron or copper.
What can lead to violations in the liver
If this organ for some reason cannot work correctly, then various diseases occur. You can immediately understand what the role of the liver in the human body is, if you see what the violations in its work lead to:
- decreased immunity and persistent colds;
- bleeding disorders and frequent bleeding;
- severe itching, dry skin;
- hair loss, acne;
- the appearance of diabetes and obesity;
- various gynecological diseases, for example, early menopause;
- digestive disorders, manifested by frequent constipation, nausea and loss of appetite;
- Nervous disorders - irritability, depression, insomnia and frequent headaches;
- disturbances in water metabolism, manifested by edema.
Very often, the doctor treats these symptoms without noticing that the cause is liver damage. There are no nerve endings inside this organ, so a person may not experience pain. But everyone should know what role the liver plays in his life, and try to maintain it. It is necessary to give up alcohol, smoking, spicy and fatty foods. Limit the use of medicines, products containing preservatives and dyes.