Liver

The liver is the largest organ in the body. Besides, it is located directly below the diaphragm. It is also a multilobular organ. Furthermore, it has several vital functions, not only one.

Liver functions

However, several of these functions merit mentioning. They are:

1. heparin production which helps prevent blood from clotting in the vessels,
2. removal of dead and malfunctioning red blood cells from the circulatory system,
3. removal of toxins from the blood.
4. storage of absorbed nutrients,
5. storage of trace metals (copper and iron) and vitamins (A, D, E, and K) which are necessary for daily metabolic activity, and
6. production of bile which aids in the digestion of fats.

Compose

Firstly, hepatic cells produce bile, the yellow to green in colour substance, from cholesterol. Secondly, it constitutes of bile salts, bile acids, lipids, and the pigments biliverdin and bilirubin. These pigments are products of red blood cell degradation and must leave the circulatory system. If a kind of filter cannot remove them, the body will develop a pale yellowish tinge to its skin, a condition known as jaundice. Besides its excretory properties, bile is responsible for the emulsification of fats. It also neutralises chyme partially. Our digestive system can only absorb fatty acids and glycerol in the presence of bile salts. Attached to the underside of the liver is the gall bladder, which accumulates excess bile.