One of the vital human organs is the liver.It unpaired and located on the right side of the abdomen.It performs a liver about 70 different functions.All of them are so important for the life of the organism, that even a small disruption in its functioning can cause severe illness.In addition to participating in digestion, it cleans the blood of toxins and poisons, is a storehouse of vitamins and minerals and also performs many functions.To help the body to work smoothly, you need to know what is the role of the liver in the human body.
Basic information of this organ
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant and take up much space in the abdominal cavity, because it is the largest internal organ.Its weight varies from 1200 to 1800 grams.In shape it resembles a mushroom domes.She received its name from the word "oven", as this body temperature is very high.There constantly occur complex chemical processes and is working without interruption.
You can not clearly answer the question about what the role of the liver in the human body, because all the functions that it performs, it is vitally important to him.Therefore, this body has regenerative abilities, that is, he can recover.But the cessation of its activity results in the death of a man for a couple of days.
protective function of the liver
more than 400 times per day through this body goes through all the blood, purged of toxins, bacteria, viruses and toxins.The barrier role of the liver is that its cells cleave all toxic substances, process them in water-soluble form harmless and excreted.They work as a complex chemical laboratory, neutralizing the toxins entering the body with food and air and the resulting metabolic processes.On what poisonous substances purifies the blood liver?
- from preservatives, dyes and other additives that are in foods.
- from bacteria and germs into the intestine, and by their metabolic products.
- alcohol, drugs and other toxic substances that enter the blood from food.
- from the exhaust gases and heavy metals from the surrounding air.
- the abundance of hormones and vitamins.
- of toxic products resulting from the metabolism, such as phenol, acetone or ammonia.
digestive function of the liver
It is in this body coming from the intestine proteins, fats and carbohydrates are converted into digestible form.The role of the liver in the digestion process is enormous, because it was there that produced cholesterol, bile and many enzymes, without whom this process is impossible.They are released into the intestine through the duodenum and aids in the digestion of food.Particularly important is the role of bile, which not only cleaves promotes absorption of fats and proteins and carbohydrates, and has a bactericidal effect, killing the pathogenic microflora in the intestine.
role in hepatic metabolism
Carbohydrates from food, but this body are converted into glycogen, which is in the form of glucose into the blood as needed.The process of gluconeogenesis provides the body with the right amount of glucose.The liver controls blood insulin levels, depending on the needs of the person.
The department is also involved in protein metabolism.It is synthesized in the liver albumin, prothrombin and other proteins that are important for the functioning of the body.Almost all cholesterol involved in the breakdown of fat and the formation of certain hormones, also produced there.In addition, the liver takes an active part in the water-mineral metabolism.It can accumulate up to 20% of the blood and serves as a repository of many minerals and vitamins.
involvement of the liver in the process of hematopoiesis
This body is called the "depot".In addition, there it can be stored for up to two liters, processes occur in the liver hematopoiesis.It synthesized globulins and albumins, proteins, blood coagulation and ensure its fluidity.The liver is involved in the formation of iron that is necessary for synthesis of hemoglobin.Further purification of the blood from toxic substances, the body cleaves erythrocytes, whereby bilirubin produced.It is produced in the liver proteins operating transport functions for hormones and vitamins.
Storage nutrients
Talking about the role of the liver in the human body, it is impossible not to mention its function accumulation of substances necessary for life.Storage What is this body?
1. It is the only storage of glycogen.Liver accumulates it, and, as appropriate, released into the blood as glucose.
2. About two liters of blood is there and is used only in case of severe blood loss or shock.
3. Liver - is the repository of vitamins necessary for normal functioning of the body.Especially many stored therein Vitamins A and B12.
4. The body forms and accumulates cations relevant to the body of metals, such as iron or copper.
What can cause abnormalities in liver function
If the authority for whatever reason can not work properly, then there are a variety of diseases.Immediately we can understand what is the role of the liver in the human body, if see the consequences of the violations in its work:
- reduced immunity and constant colds;
- a bleeding disorder and frequent bleeding;
- severe itching, dry skin;
- hair loss, acne;
- the emergence of diabetes and obesity;
- various gynecological diseases, such as early menopause;
- digestive disorders, manifested by frequent constipation, nausea and loss of appetite;
- nervous disorders - irritability, depression, insomnia and frequent headaches;
- disorders of water metabolism, manifested edema.
Very often the doctor treats the symptoms, not realizing that the cause is the destruction of the liver.Inside this body is no nerve endings, so the person can not feel pain.But everyone should know what role the liver plays in his life, and try to maintain it.We need to give up alcohol, smoking, spicy and fatty foods.Limit the use of medicines, foods containing preservatives and dyes.
