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Liver functions. Liver and main functions of the liver Human liver and its functions

Liver- one of the main organs of the human body. Interaction with the external environment is ensured with the participation of the nervous system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems.

The variety of processes occurring inside the body is carried out due to metabolism, or metabolism. The nervous, endocrine, vascular and digestive systems are of particular importance in ensuring the functioning of the body. In the digestive system, the liver occupies one of the leading positions, performing the functions of a center for chemical processing, the formation (synthesis) of new substances, a center for the neutralization of toxic (harmful) substances and an endocrine organ.

The liver is involved in the processes of synthesis and breakdown of substances, in the interconversion of some substances into others, in the exchange of the main components of the body, namely in the exchange of proteins, fats and carbohydrates (Sugars), and at the same time it is an endocrine-active organ. We especially note that in the liver there occurs the breakdown, synthesis and deposition (deposition) of carbohydrates and fats, the breakdown of proteins to ammonia, the synthesis of heme (the basis for hemoglobin), the synthesis of numerous blood proteins and intensive amino acid metabolism.

Food components prepared in previous stages of processing are absorbed into and delivered primarily to the liver. It is appropriate to note that if toxic substances are supplied with food components, then they first of all enter the liver. The liver is the largest primary chemical processing factory in the human body, in which metabolic processes occur that affect the entire body.

The liver is one of the largest organs, weighs about 1.5 kilograms and is, figuratively speaking, the main laboratory of the body. The functions of the liver are very diverse.

1.Barrier (protective) and neutralizing functions consist in the destruction of toxic products of protein metabolism and harmful substances absorbed in the intestines.

2. Liver- a digestive gland that produces bile, which enters the duodenum through the excretory duct.

3.Participation in all types of metabolism in the body.

Let's consider the role of the liver in the metabolic processes of the body.

1. Amino acid (protein) metabolism. Synthesis of albumins and partially globulins (blood proteins). Among the substances coming from the liver into the blood, proteins can be placed in first place in terms of their importance for the body. The liver is the main site of formation of a number of blood proteins that provide a complex blood coagulation reaction.

The liver synthesizes a number of proteins that take part in the processes of inflammation and transport of substances in the blood. That is why the condition of the liver significantly affects the state of the blood coagulation system, the body’s response to any impact accompanied by an inflammatory reaction.

Through the synthesis of proteins, the liver takes an active part in the immunological reactions of the body, which are the basis for protecting the human body from the action of infectious or other immunologically active factors. Moreover, the process of immunological protection of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract includes the direct participation of the liver.

In the liver, protein complexes are formed with fats (lipoproteins), carbohydrates (glycoproteins) and carrier complexes (transporters) of certain substances (for example, transferrin - an iron transporter).

In the liver, the breakdown products of proteins entering the intestines with food are used to synthesize new proteins that the body needs. This process is called transamination of amino acids, and the enzymes involved in the exchange are called transaminases;

2. Participation in the breakdown of proteins to their final products, i.e. ammonia and urea. Ammonia is a constant product of protein breakdown, but at the same time it is toxic to the nervous system. systems matter. The liver ensures a constant process of converting ammonia into a low-toxic substance, urea, which is excreted by the kidneys.

When the liver's ability to neutralize ammonia decreases, it accumulates in the blood and nervous system, which is accompanied by mental disorders and ends in a complete shutdown of the nervous system - coma. Thus, we can safely say that there is a pronounced dependence of the state of a person’s brain on the correct and complete functioning of his liver;

3. Lipid (fat) metabolism. The most important processes are the breakdown of fats into triglycerides, the formation of fatty acids, glycerol, cholesterol, bile acids, etc. In this case, short-chain fatty acids are formed exclusively in the liver. Such fatty acids are necessary for the full functioning of skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle as a source of a significant portion of energy.

These same acids are used to produce heat in the body. Of fats, 80–90% of cholesterol is synthesized in the liver. On the one hand, cholesterol is a substance necessary for the body, on the other hand, if there is a disturbance in its transport, cholesterol is deposited in the vessels and causes the development of atherosclerosis. All of the above makes it possible to trace the connection of the liver with the development of diseases of the vascular system;

4. Carbohydrate metabolism. Synthesis and breakdown of glycogen, conversion of galactose and fructose into glucose, oxidation of glucose, etc.;

5. Participation in assimilation, storage and education, especially A, D, E and groups B;

6. Participation in the metabolism of iron, copper, cobalt and other trace elements necessary for hematopoiesis;

7. Participation of the liver in the removal of toxic substances. Toxic substances (especially those from outside) are distributed, and they are distributed unevenly throughout the body. An important stage of their neutralization is the stage of changing their properties (transformation). Transformation leads to the formation of compounds with less or greater toxic ability compared to the toxic substance entering the body.

Elimination

The next important stage in the neutralization of toxic substances in the body is their removal from the body (elimination). Elimination- this is a complex of processes aimed at removing a toxic substance from the body through the available natural routes of elimination. Toxic substances can be removed either in transformed or unchanged form.

1. Bilirubin exchange. Bilirubin is often formed from breakdown products of hemoglobin released from aging red blood cells. Every day in the human body, 1–1.5% of red blood cells are destroyed, in addition, about 20% of bilirubin is formed in liver cells;

Impaired bilirubin metabolism leads to an increase in its content in the blood - hyperbilirubinemia, which is manifested by jaundice;

2. Participation in blood clotting processes. Liver cells produce substances necessary for blood clotting (prothrombin, fibrinogen), as well as a number of substances that slow down this process (heparin, antiplasmin).

The liver is located under the diaphragm in the upper part of the abdominal cavity on the right and is normally not palpable in adults, as it is covered by the ribs. But in young children it can protrude from under the ribs. The liver has two lobes: the right (larger) and the left (smaller) and is covered with a capsule.

The upper surface of the liver is convex, and the lower is slightly concave. On the lower surface, in the center, there is a kind of gate of the liver, through which vessels, nerves and bile ducts pass. The recess under the right lobe houses the gallbladder, which stores bile produced by liver cells called hepatocytes. The liver produces from 500 to 1200 milliliters of bile per day. Bile is produced continuously, and its entry into the intestines is associated with food intake.

Bile

Bile is a yellow liquid that consists of water, bile pigments and acids, cholesterol, and mineral salts. It is released into the duodenum through the common bile duct.

The release of bilirubin by the liver through bile ensures the removal from the blood of bilirubin, which is toxic to the body and is formed as a result of the constant natural breakdown of hemoglobin - a protein in red blood cells). In case of violations. At any of the stages of bilirubin secretion (in the liver itself or the secretion of bile through the hepatic ducts), bilirubin accumulates in the blood and tissues, which manifests itself in the form of a yellow color of the skin and sclera, i.e. in the development of jaundice.

Bile acids (cholates)

Bile acids (cholates), together with other substances, ensure a steady-state level of cholesterol metabolism and its excretion with bile, while cholesterol in bile is dissolved, or rather, enclosed in tiny particles that ensure cholesterol excretion. A disturbance in the metabolism of bile acids and other components that ensure the removal of cholesterol is accompanied by the loss of cholesterol crystals in the bile and the formation of gallstones.

Not only the liver, but also the liver is involved in maintaining a stable exchange of bile acids. In the right sections of the large intestine, cholates are reabsorbed into the blood, which ensures the circulation of bile acids in the human body. The main reservoir of bile is the gallbladder.

Gallbladder

When its function is impaired, there are also disturbances in the secretion of bile and bile acids, which is another factor contributing to the formation of gallstones. At the same time, bile substances are necessary for the complete digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

With a long-term lack of bile acids and some other bile substances, a deficiency of vitamins (hypovitaminosis) occurs. Excessive accumulation of bile acids in the blood due to disturbances in their excretion with bile is accompanied by painful itching of the skin and changes in the pulse rate.

A feature of the liver is that it receives venous blood from the abdominal organs (stomach, pancreas, intestines, etc.), which, entering through the portal vein, is cleared of harmful substances by liver cells and enters the inferior vena cava, going to heart. All other organs of the human body receive only arterial blood, and give away venous blood.

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Food components prepared at previous stages of processing are absorbed into the blood and delivered primarily to the liver. It is appropriate to note that if toxic substances are supplied with food components, then they first of all enter the liver. The liver is the largest primary chemical processing factory in the human body, in which metabolic processes occur that affect the entire body.

Liver functions

The liver is one of the largest organs, weighs about 1.5 kilograms and is, figuratively speaking, the main laboratory of the body. The functions of the liver are very diverse.

1.Barrier (protective) and neutralizing functions consist in the destruction of toxic products of protein metabolism and harmful substances absorbed in the intestines.

2. Liver- a digestive gland that produces bile, which enters the duodenum through the excretory duct.

3.Participation in all types of metabolism in the body.

Let's consider the role of the liver in the metabolic processes of the body.

4. Carbohydrate metabolism. Synthesis and breakdown of glycogen, conversion of galactose and fructose into glucose, oxidation of glucose, etc.;

5. Participation in the absorption, storage and formation of vitamins, especially A, D, E and group B;

6. Participation in the metabolism of iron, copper, cobalt and other trace elements necessary for hematopoiesis;

Elimination

Impaired bilirubin metabolism leads to an increase in its content in the blood - hyperbilirubinemia, which is manifested by jaundice;

Bile

Bile is a yellow liquid that consists of water, bile pigments and acids, cholesterol, and mineral salts. It is released into the duodenum through the common bile duct.

Bile acids (cholates)

Not only the liver, but also the intestines are involved in maintaining a stable exchange of bile acids. In the right sections of the large intestine, cholates are reabsorbed into the blood, which ensures the circulation of bile acids in the human body. The main reservoir of bile is the gallbladder.

Gallbladder

Source: health-medicine.info

The liver is a unique organ in the human body. It performs a number of functions that can be compared to a “chemical factory”. With its participation, a variety of chemical transformations occur with substances delivered to the body. What are the main functions of the liver to keep the body working properly? In fact, the human liver performs a number of essential functions necessary for existence, such as detoxification, storage, metabolism.

Detoxification: Everyone knows that the liver cleanses the body of toxins that are absorbed from the intestines through the blood along with metabolic products. It neutralizes alcohol (), caffeine, drugs, excessive amounts of hormones, preservatives, toxins of plant and animal origin. A number of complex chemical reactions are carried out in the liver, as a result of which harmful compounds are neutralized.

Storage: Glycogen, fat, iron and vitamins A, B12, D, F and small amounts of vitamin C are stored here. These compounds enter the bloodstream as required by the system.

Metabolism: biochemical changes in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, microelements, and vitamins occur in the liver. Glucose is absorbed in the intestines, then converted into glycogen, the reserves of which regulate blood glucose levels. Fats are the raw materials for the production of cholesterol and lipoproteins. Cholesterol, in turn, is the raw material for the production of bile. The liver converts sugar into fat.

Human liver and its tasks

The liver of an adult weighs approximately 1.5 - 2 kg (2% of body weight). It is located under the diaphragm in the upper right abdomen. A healthy organ has a dark brown color, soft and elastic tissue. It consists of two lobes: right and left. Both lobes can be easily distinguished because they are separated by a stripe. Under a microscope, you can see that the liver consists of small hepatic lobes (hexagonal), which are approximately 2 ml in size. The lobules consist of liver cells (hepatocytes).

The liver is not only the largest organ in the human body, but the largest gland. It produces not only bile, but is also responsible for metabolism, as it takes on the most important tasks in restoring food components such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, it is involved in regulating hormones and the immune system. Without this gland it is impossible to survive.

The liver is a digestive organ due to its location. It plays an important role in the restoration of food components. About 1.5 liters of blood passes through it per minute. Approximately 25% is used to supply oxygen, the remaining 75% comes from the vessels of the gastrointestinal tract, which is enriched with nutrients, but also with toxins. The liver filters the blood to keep the body healthy.

Carbohydrate metabolism: One of the main tasks of the liver is to maintain the balance of glucose in the body. Carbohydrates consumed in food are converted into glucose in the intestines, then enter the blood and then the liver. It stores glucose and converts it when there is a deficiency of glucose in the body.

Fat metabolism: under the influence of lipase, fats are resolved into glycerol and fatty acids. This process depends on the supply of bile and bile acids. Then it breaks down into free bile acids and higher fatty acids. Free bile acids enter the liver and become bile. Higher fatty acids partially enter the blood. Most of the fatty acids and triglycerides are retained in the liver for further conversion.

Protein metabolism: The body needs proteins as the building blocks of cells and tissues. Already in the small intestine, protein is broken down into amino acids, which enter the liver through the bloodstream. Subsequently, the liver produces many different proteins, without which the human body is not able to survive.

Blood purification: The main task of the liver is to cleanse the blood of toxic substances that the body does not need. These substances are transferred from the blood plasma directly to the liver cells, where they are converted (several stages). The end products of this transformation are removed from the body through the kidneys.

The most common exogenous toxins that the liver neutralizes are: alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. An endogenous substance is, for example, bilirubin, which is eliminated from the blood and ultimately excreted in the stool. If this function is impaired, symptoms of jaundice occur.

Basic liver functions

The various functions of the liver are carried out by all liver cells, but to varying degrees. Their ability to perform complex tasks is extremely important for human life. Thus, the loss of 80% of the tissue of this gland is not compatible with life. However, it is capable of self-regeneration after acute and chronic damage.

Functions:

formation of bile (approximately 600 ml per day);
neutralization of toxins;
neutralization and removal of excess substances (hormones, vitamins), end products of metabolism;
regulation of hormone levels (eg, aldosterone, adrenaline, estrogen, insulin);
participation in digestion;
conversion of ammonia to urea;
storage of energy reserves (glycogen);
carbohydrate metabolism;
accumulation, storage and supply of certain vitamins;
participation in the metabolism of vitamins (folic acid, A, C, B, D, K, E, PP); conversion of carotene to;
synthesis of lipids, cholesterol, regulation of lipid metabolism; restoration of fat energy;
synthesis of enzymes, hormones that are involved in the transformation of food;
detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances (alcohol, toxins, drugs);
participation in immune functions;
important role in blood flow;
thermoregulation of the body;
production of plasma proteins and blood clotting factors.

Thus, the liver is an important part that performs much more functions than just processing substances from food. It is responsible for the production of substances that destroy fats. In addition, it produces amino acids without which the body is unable to function, because they are important in protein production. The liver also produces cholesterol, both healthy and unhealthy.

In addition to the liver's ability to produce various substances, it also performs a filtering function. If harmful substances enter the body, it neutralizes and removes them from the body. In short, the most important function of the liver is to maintain proper balance in the body. It neutralizes harmful toxins, produces vital substances and removes unnecessary products from the body.

Where is the liver located

Structure of the liver

Role of the liver

Basic liver functions

Liver and pancreas

Liver and intestines

Causes of liver diseases

Diagnosis of diseases

Dear readers, the liver of a healthy person performs various functions, one of which is the neutralization of toxins. It has a lobular structure. Liver cells are called hepatocytes, and they provide the process of bile formation. Their ability to regenerate is limited, so if the liver is repeatedly or significantly damaged, its full recovery becomes impossible. The earlier treatment is started, the higher the chances of recovery.

Where is the human liver located?

Many people do not know exactly where the human liver is located and how the main diseases of this organ manifest themselves. This information is important for everyone. Knowing which side the liver is located on, you can find the gland by palpation and visually determine its size. An enlarged liver indicates the development of serious diseases.

The gland is, as it were, “built-in” into the digestive tract. In humans, the liver is located on the right side, in the right hypochondrium. Below it is the gallbladder, and it is responsible for regulating the amount of bile entering the digestive tract.

Where the human liver is located, there are other important digestive organs: the duodenum and stomach. Together they participate in the digestion of incoming foods and the absorption of nutrients. The upper border of the liver passes just behind the line of the nipples, and the back border - along the line of the diaphragm.

Structure of the liver

The liver is a large exocrine gland. It is involved in almost all internal processes and plays a huge role in the functioning of the human body. The liver consists of right and left lobes and is divided into eight segments. The right lobe is noticeably larger than the left. In front, the lobes are separated from each other by a falciform ligament, and on the back side - by a special groove, which has a venous ligament. The lobes are separated below by the round ligament.

The structural and functional unit of the liver is a lobule, each of which has bile ducts and an abundant network of blood vessels - both large and small. Between the lobules of the liver there is dense connective tissue.

The role of the liver for the human body

The main role of the liver:

neutralization of toxic substances, toxins, allergens;
participation in the production of hormones, vitamins, acids, lipids, cholesterol, bilirubin, phospholipids;
ensuring normal metabolism;
bile synthesis, participation in the digestion process and digestion of many substances;
removal of metabolic products, potentially hazardous substances (ammonia, acetone);
replenishing glycogen reserves and providing the body with energy.

Without the liver, human existence is impossible. With the blood flow, toxic compounds and carcinogens are delivered to the tissues of the organ, which are neutralized there. The liver is involved in metabolism, converting carbohydrates into glycogen and being responsible for its further storage.

Basic liver functions

Let's take a closer look at the main functions of the liver.

Hematopoietic function of the liver

The liver receives venous blood through the portal vein, which comes from the intestines and spleen. Arterial blood is delivered by the hepatic artery. The blood supply to the organ is closely related to bile secretion. In an adult, the liver does not perform a hematopoietic function. With the help of the liver, blood cells mature only in the fetus.

Barrier function

The liver performs many functions in the human body, but the most significant of them is protective. The organ prevents the negative impact on health of natural metabolic products and poisons. The barrier function of the liver is to protect important internal organs and systems, as well as blood, from harmful substances. Thanks to this, our body maintains its functionality.

The liver not only neutralizes foreign substances, including allergens, hormones, and residues of unnecessary medications, but also transforms them into harmless compounds that are easily removed from the body.

Digestive function

The digestive function of the liver is to synthesize cholesterol, bile acids, lipids, and regulate fat metabolism. The organ plays a key role in human metabolism and nutrient absorption, including in the intestines. Bile has antimicrobial properties. When liver function decreases, the risk of developing infectious diseases increases.

The body becomes defenseless against not only toxic components, but also against microbes and viruses. Bile directly affects the quality of absorption of nutrients, in particular fat-soluble vitamins, amino acids, and calcium salts.

Detoxification function of the liver

The human liver performs a detoxification function, preventing poisoning of the body and removing dangerous compounds. Special cells of the organ have protective mechanisms, capture harmful particles, bind them with certain acids and remove them with the help of bile through the intestines.

Blood deposit

The liver stores a significant volume of blood, which can enter the vascular bed during the development of life-threatening conditions due to narrowing of the hepatic vessels. This function plays a protective role in case of large blood loss and the development of shock. In addition, the fetal liver is involved in the process of hematopoiesis, producing plasma proteins, components of hormones and vitamins.

Nutrient synthesis and storage

The liver contains the most fat-soluble vitamins D and A, as well as water-soluble vitamin B12. This organ is a depot of cations, as well as some microelements, in particular iron.

Hormonal function

The human liver is directly involved in the synthesis of hormones. The cells of the organ are responsible for the inactivation of hormonal substances that affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, genital organs, and pancreas.

The liver and pancreas are closely related to each other, and if the function of one organ is impaired, the work of the other changes. The pancreas is located behind the stomach, tightly adjacent to the duodenum. It produces enzymes that are involved in digestion and ensure the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. When the functions of the pancreas are impaired, important metabolic mechanisms change, which entails serious consequences for health.

The liver plays a protective role in the human body. It is capable of neutralizing harmful substances coming from outside, turning them into safe compounds, removing harmful metabolic products, and disinfecting blood.

Bile produced by this organ takes an active part in digestion, breaking down fatty foods. It affects the pancreas, increasing the activity of its enzymes, especially lipase. The liver provides the human body with glucose, participates in the synthesis of cholesterol and regulates lipid metabolism. The functions of the liver and pancreas intersect and are closely related to the functioning of the entire human digestive system.

Liver and intestines

In the human intestine, processes of absorption of important nutrients occur and enter the blood. Metabolic products and undigested food debris are converted into feces, which are subsequently excreted from the body.

The intestines contain both beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms. If the balance between them is disturbed (dysbacteriosis), disturbances may occur in the entire digestive process. This affects the stomach, liver, and other organs of the digestive system.

The intestine consists of thin and thick sections. The duodenum is located in the small intestine - it forms its initial section. Its main role is to change the pH environment of the food bolus towards the alkaline side. This is necessary so that the lower parts of the intestine are not irritated by the acidic environment of the semi-digested gruel.

In the lower part of the intestine, the large intestine, water is absorbed and feces are formed. The liver influences the process of “absorption” of nutrients by the intestinal villi, in particular the absorption of fatty acids and the course of fat metabolism.

Causes of liver diseases

The main reasons for the development of liver diseases:

bad habits: drug addiction, alcoholism, smoking - all this leads to increased load on the gland, damage to hepatocytes, fatty degeneration and replacement of parenchyma with connective tissue with the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer;
viral effects on liver tissue, characteristic of hepatitis, which can result in necrosis and serious impairment of liver function;
toxic effects of drugs and adverse environmental factors leading to damage to hepatocytes and the development of liver failure;
high fat content in the diet, which leads to the accumulation of fat in liver cells, the development of dystrophy, the appearance of foci of inflammation and the proliferation of connective tissue.

Bad habits and the quality of the diet play a huge role in the condition of the liver. A healthy lifestyle preserves the functionality of the organ until old age. Many people do not think about the role and functions of the liver until health problems arise.

Eating fatty foods and alcohol destroys liver cells, which automatically leads to malfunctions of the gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines. These organs work in conjunction with each other.

To maintain health, it is necessary to know not only the exact location of the liver, but also how to check this organ in a person using modern research methods. Among diseases, cirrhosis comes first - a pathology that is characterized by the replacement of healthy parenchyma with fibrous tissue. In this case, the liver may increase or decrease in size, become lumpy and very dense in structure, and a decrease in the functionality of the gland also occurs.

Diagnosis of liver diseases includes the following studies:

blood test (specialists detect thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, increased bilirubin, urea, creatinine);
coagulogram (decrease in prothrombin index);
blood biochemistry (increased activity of liver enzymes);
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs (changes in liver size, detection of signs of portal hypertension, detection of cysts, tumors, stromal changes in the parenchyma);
MRI of the liver (presence of abscesses, cysts, metastases, symptoms of cancer and cirrhosis, impaired patency of the hepatic and portal veins);
Dopplerometry of liver vessels (detection of obstacles to blood flow);
liver biopsy (confirmation of the benignity or malignancy of the tumor process);
PCR, ELISA (detection of infectious pathogens that cause damage to liver tissue);
Ultrasound of the liver (deterioration in the functionality of the organ, detection of tumors, disturbances in the state of local blood flow).

Specific studies should be prescribed by a doctor. Most often, a specialist recommends undergoing ultrasound diagnostics of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. But additionally, other procedures may be required, including laboratory blood diagnostics, which can detect changes in the activity of enzymatic activity of the liver.

How do liver diseases manifest?

Liver diseases at the initial stage of development occur practically without any manifestations. A person often has no idea about his condition and, out of ignorance, does not carry out therapeutic measures. Therefore, doctors advise periodically undergoing ultrasound examinations in order to detect abnormalities in the liver in time. At an early stage of development, liver tissue is well restored, especially at a young age.

Characteristic signs of pathology

A characteristic sign of liver pathology is yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as the sclera. This symptom is associated with the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Most liver diseases are characterized by heaviness on the right side and pain in the right hypochondrium. These signs are often accompanied by a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, nausea, sometimes vomiting, and an increase in the size of the abdomen due to ascites (accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum).

If you notice at least one of these signs, be sure to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist or hepatologist.

If it is impossible to restore the lost functions, a liver transplant is performed - an expensive operation to transplant the affected organ. It is quite complicated, especially in our country. Finding a donor is not so easy, even if you have certain financial capabilities.

It is extremely important to promptly respond to liver dysfunction and carry out disease prevention. If pathologies are already developing, you must immediately contact a specialist and begin treatment.

Up to a certain point, until the liver’s function is completely disrupted, its cells are able to regenerate. But for this it is necessary to create certain conditions:

eat a high-quality and varied diet so that your diet always contains a lot of vegetables and fruits, healthy protein;
limit fatty and fried foods that do not allow the organ to rest and restore its functions;
give up alcohol;
regularly consume beneficial herbs in the form of decoctions and infusions that cleanse the liver, ensure the outflow of bile and prevent the formation of stones;
avoid overeating, as large amounts of food sharply increase the load on all organs of the digestive tract, including the liver.

Periodically, you can cleanse the liver using herbs and other folk recipes. But consult your doctor first. It is well suited for gentle cleansing of the liver and prevention of bile stagnation.

And at the end of the article, we suggest watching a video where experts talk about the structure and functions of the liver, its role in the work of other organs of the gastrointestinal tract and the human body as a whole.

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When the fetus in the womb is only a few weeks old, it is already undergoing the process of hematopoiesis and the circulation of red blood cells through the cells. And in the early stages of development, these functions are performed not by the stomach and heart, but by the liver, from which one can understand how important an anatomical role is assigned to this organ.

The weight of the hepatic gland in the adult human body reaches 1.2–1.5 kg, so it is not surprising that dozens of functions are assigned to its “shoulders”. Although 70% of the organ's volume is water, the biochemistry of the liver is very diverse:

½ of the dry residue is proteins, 90% of which are globulins;
5% of the total mass of hepatocytes is allocated to lipids;
150–200 g is the proportion of glycogen, which represents a glucose reserve for a “rainy day.”

In a quantitative sense, the biochemistry of the liver is a relative concept, because with edema, the volume of water increases to 80%, and with fatty disease, on the contrary, it decreases to 55%. In the latter case, there may also be an increase in the amount of fat up to 20%, and with massive cell degeneration - up to 50%. One cannot ignore the conditionality of the glycogen level, which is significantly reduced in case of severe parenchymal lesions and, conversely, increases up to 20% in case of glycogenesis - a genetic pathology, the prevalence of which is only 0.0014–0.0025%.

Barrier and detoxification function

The liver is the only gland in the body that simultaneously receives blood from a vein and an artery, due to which it plays the role of a filter. About 100 liters of blood passes through it every hour, which must be thoroughly cleaned. The neutralizing antitoxic and protective function of the liver is to perform the following tasks:

deactivation of toxic substances that enter the body with food, alcohol and medications;
removal of biological breakdown products of red blood cells, proteins, etc.;
binding of ammonia and poisons arising during intestinal function (phenol, skatole, indole);
ingestion and digestion of pathogenic bacteria by special cells (phagocytosis);
destruction of heavy metals through chemical transformations and their removal from the body.

About 60% of the volume of amino acids entering the body ends up in the liver, where it is synthesized into proteins. The rest enters the general bloodstream.

The barrier function of the liver is divided into two phases: “quarantine” and “absolute elimination.” At the first stage, the degree of harmfulness of the substance and optimal neutralizing actions are determined. For example, toxic ammonia is converted into urea, alcohol after enzymatic oxidation into acetic acid, indole, phenol and skatole into essential oils. Even some poisons can be converted into substances beneficial to the body.

The second group includes bacteria and viruses that are either “melted” or captured by phagocytes. Also, the neutralizing function of the liver is aimed at removing excess hormones of the pancreas and reproductive system from the body.

Scientists have calculated that in a year the liver has to cleanse the human body of 5 kg of preservatives, 4 kg of pesticides and 2 kg of heavy elements (resins) inhaled through the lungs.

Bile secretion

Another important function of the liver is the production of bile - about 0.5–1.2 liters daily. It consists of 97% water, and the remaining 3% is cholesterol, mineral salts, fatty acids, bile pigments and other components. Only 30% of bile (vesical) is formed by epithelial cells of the biliary tract, and 70% (liver) is synthesized by hepatocytes. The first has a dark olive color and acidity in the range of 6.5–7.5 pH, and the second has an amber tint and acidity of 7.5–8.2 pH. Part of the hepatic bile subsequently still enters the bile ducts and, under the influence of water reabsorption, turns into cystic bile. Thus, it is obvious that in case of liver failure, the patient’s bile secretion is necessarily impaired.

The main role of the liver in digestion is precisely to stimulate the work, since the circulation of bile acids affects the functioning of all organs of the gastrointestinal tract: intestines, stomach, pancreas, etc.

Exchange processes

Digestion is a process during which the selection of microelements entering the body, their purification, transformation and distribution throughout the body occurs. Therefore, the digestive function of the human liver can be understood as the participation of hepatocytes in metabolic processes:

Process	Peculiarities
Carbohydrate	galactose, glucose and fructose are converted into glycogen in the hepatocyte, which is stored “in reserve” in case of illness or blood loss; 60% of carbohydrates are spent on oxidative breakdown, 30% on acid synthesis, and 10% on glycogen storage
Lipid	production of cholesterol from fatty acids; production of bile acid from cholesterol
Protein	amino acid renewal every 3 weeks; protein reserves, which are quickly consumed during illness, injury and poisoning; in “emergency” mode, the liver gives up 1/5 of the mass of stored protein, while other organs give only 1/25 of the share; production of alpha-fetoprotein, which is a biological immunosuppressor; its synthesis increases when it is necessary to suppress the immune system in order to maintain pregnancy
Pigmentary	binding of indirect bilirubin (a breakdown product of red blood cells) and removing it from the body
Vitamin	synthesis of vitamin A; supply of vitamin K, D, C, B12, B1 and niacin
Mineral	supply and regulation of the level of Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu and other elements; retention of bicarbonates, chlorine and Fe ions
Enzymatic	more than half of the incoming protein goes to synthesis and maintenance of levels; secretory liver enzymes enter the blood and are responsible for its coagulation; indicator liver enzymes are involved in intracellular processes in various organs, and their level is a significant marker in diagnosis; excretory liver enzymes are synthesized in hepatocytes and affect the secretion of bile; the liver gland, along with the pancreas, produces a large amount of digestive enzymes

The storage function of the liver, which consists of glycogen synthesis, also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels.

The essence of the metabolic function of the human liver is to constantly maintain an optimal balance of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, hormones, enzymes and immunoglobulins. There is a clear connection with the functioning of the thyroid gland, since hepatocytes convert the hormone thyroxine into an active form. The iron content is involved in the processing of insulin, adrenaline and estrogen, so a lack of hemoglobin due to poor nutrition and daily attacks in the form of viruses, alcohol and drugs have a detrimental effect on the metabolic function of the liver.

The condition of the pancreas, which controls the level of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, is very important in the work of hepatocytes. Thus, with an excess of carbohydrates, the synthesis of fats increases, and with a deficiency, on the contrary, glucose is produced from lipids and proteins. The direct conversion of glucose into fats rarely occurs - when hepatocytes are completely filled with glycogen. The role of the liver in pigment metabolism is associated with the work of the gallbladder, since when bile secretion is impaired, stagnation begins, as a result of which accumulated bilirubin is carried through the bloodstream to the organs and has a systemic toxic effect.

Liver cells are a reservoir of blood because they store 30–60% more protein than other organs. By storing red blood cells, glucose and starch, the liver has the ability to give the body energy and strength in case of serious blood loss.

Other functions

It is obvious that the role of the liver in the human body is comparable to the importance of the normal functioning of the heart or brain. You can do without the spleen and gall bladder, but not without the liver. In total, there are several dozen main functions of the liver, and yet scientists annually discover new facts about this organ. In addition to barrier, digestive and metabolic functions, it also performs the following tasks:

System	Functions
Endocrine	synthesis of growth hormones (gonadotropin, insulin), especially at the stage of embryonic development; production of a lactogenic factor that stimulates lactation; insulin metabolism; catabolism of steroid hormones
Hematopoietic	participation in the synthesis of blood proteins in the prenatal period; regulation of enzymes responsible for blood clotting
Immunological	participation in the transport of immunoglobulins
Regulatory	regulation of blood glucose, enzymes and hormone levels
excretory	self-regulation of the body when conditions change

All these functions of the liver in the body are equally important, but participation in the process of hematopoiesis is observed only at the stage of embryonic development. Subsequently, this task is transferred to the stomach thanks to the formed digestive system, and hepatocytes are already engaged in cleaning the formed red blood cells. Although there is evidence that even a 25% share of a normal liver is enough for the organ to regenerate, real restoration does not occur, and its increase is carried out due to an increase in the volume of the remaining hepatocytes and the growth of connective tissue. Therefore, there is no need to kill the liver with alcohol and resins, because it already fights pathogenic microorganisms and toxins every day.