One of the vital organs of a person is the liver. It is unpaired and is located on the right side of the abdominal cavity. Performs about 70 different functions of the liver. All of them are so important for the life of the body that even a small disturbance in its functioning leads to serious illnesses. In addition to participating in digestion, it cleans the blood of poisons and toxins, is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, and performs many other functions. To help this body work without interruptions, you need to know what the role of the liver in the human body.
Basic information about this organ
The liver is located in the right hypochondrium and takes up much space in the abdominal cavity, because it is the largest internal organ. Its weight ranges from 1200 to 1800 grams. In form it resembles a convex mushroom head. She received her name from the word "oven", as this organ has a very high temperature. There constantly proceed the most complicated chemical processes, and without interruption work is underway.
It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of what is the role of the liver in the human body, because all the functions it performs are vitally important for it. Therefore, this body has regenerative abilities, that is, it can recover itself. But the cessation of his activities leads to the death of a man in a couple of days.
Protective function of the liver
More than 400 times a day through this body passes all the blood, cleared of toxins, bacteria, poisons and viruses. The barrier role of the liver lies in the fact that its cells break down all the toxic substances, process them into a harmless water-soluble form and remove it from the body. They work as a complex chemical laboratory, neutralizing toxins entering the body with food and air and formed as a result of metabolic processes. From what poisonous substances does the blood purify the liver?
- From preservatives, dyes and other additives found in food.
- From bacteria and germs that enter the intestine, and from the products of their vital functions.
- From alcohol, drugs and other toxic substances that get into the blood with food.
- From exhaust gases and heavy metals from ambient air.
- From an excess of hormones and vitamins.
- From toxic products formed as a result of metabolism, for example phenol, acetone or ammonia.
Digestive liver function
It is in this organ that proteins, fats and carbohydrates coming from the intestine are converted into an easily digestible form. The role of the liver in the process of digestion is enormous, because it is there that cholesterol, bile and many enzymes are formed, without which this process is impossible. They are thrown into the intestines through the duodenum and help in the digestion of food. Particularly important is the role of bile, 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 the metabolism of
Carbohydrates, supplied with food, only in this organ become glycogen, which enters the bloodstream as needed in the form of glucose. 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 body also participates in protein metabolism. It is in the liver that albumin, prothrombin and other proteins that are important for the life of the organism are synthesized. Almost all of the cholesterol involved in the processes of the splitting of fats and the formation of certain hormones is also formed there. In addition, the liver also takes an active part in water-mineral metabolism. It can store up to 20% of blood and serves as a repository for many minerals and vitamins.
Liver involvement in hematopoiesis process
This organ is called the "blood depot".In addition, that there it can be stored up to two liters, in the liver processes of hematopoiesis. It synthesizes globulins and albumins, proteins that provide blood coagulability and its 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 splits the red blood cells, which results in the production of bilirubin. It is in the liver that proteins are formed that carry transport functions for hormones and vitamins.
Repository of useful substances
Speaking about the role of the liver in the human body, it is impossible not to mention its function of accumulating substances necessary for life. What is the storehouse of this body?
1. This is the only storage place for glycogen. The liver accumulates it and, as necessary, it is thrown 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 normal vital functions of the body. Especially a lot of it is stored in vitamins A and B12.
4. This organ forms and accumulates cations of the metals necessary for the organism, for example iron or copper.
What can lead to a malfunction in the liver
If this body for some reason can not work properly, then there are various diseases. You can immediately understand what the role of the liver in the human body, if you see what leads to a violation in its work:
- reduced immunity and persistent colds;
- a disorder of blood clotting and frequent bleeding;
- severe itching, dry skin;
- hair loss, acne;
- the emergence of diabetes and obesity;
- various gynecological diseases, for example, early menopause;
- digestive disorders, manifested by frequent constipation, nausea and decreased appetite;
- nervous disorders - irritability, depression, insomnia and frequent headaches;
- water metabolism disorders, manifested by edema.
Very often the doctor treats these symptoms, not noticing that the cause is the destruction of the liver. Inside this body there are no nerve endings, so a person can not feel pain. But everyone should know what role the liver plays in his life, and try to support it. You need to give up alcohol, smoking, spicy and fatty foods. Limit the use of drugs, products containing preservatives and colorants.