Liver Anatomy and Physiology

Liver Functions

• The primary function of the liver is to filter blood, detoxify, and perform various metabolic processes.

Liver Viability

• A minimum of 25% functioning liver tissue is required to sustain life.

Bile Composition

• Bile is composed of water, bile salts, cholesterol, and bilirubin.

Vitamin K and Liver Function

• Vitamin K is necessary for the liver to synthesize prothrombin and other clotting factors.

Enterohepatic Circulation of Bile

• The primary function of the enterohepatic circulation of bile is to recycle bile salts and fat-soluble vitamins.

Ammonia in the Liver

• During gluconeogenesis, ammonia is produced in the liver and converted into urea for excretion.

Glucose Supply to the Liver

• The hepatic artery supplies glucose to the liver for storage as glycogen.

Liver and Fat Metabolism

• The primary role of the liver in fat metabolism is to regulate lipid synthesis and breakdown.

Function of Albumin

• The primary function of albumin synthesized by the liver is to maintain plasma oncotic pressure and transport fatty acids.

Hepatocyte Function

• The main function of hepatocytes in the liver is to perform various metabolic processes, including detoxification, synthesis, and storage.

Vitamin D3 in the Liver

• In the liver, 25 OH D3 is converted into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D.