Structure, Functional Assessment, and Blood Flow of the Liver

Abstract

The liver is a truly remarkable organ when one considers the diversity of its many functions. This organ has a central role in nutrient (carbohydrate, protein and lipid) and vitamin metabolism and serves as an intermediary between dietary sources of energy and the extrahepatic tissues, which utilize such energy. Another major function is the detoxification and elimination of xenobiotic toxins and drugs, as well as endogenous metabolites, such as bilirubin. The liver is responsible for the synthesis of biologically important proteins (i.e., albumin, transferrin, clotting factors, complement factors, apolipoproteins, etc.). The liver synthesizes and secretes the components of bile, including bile acids, which are important for the intestinal solubilization and absorption of the products of lipid digestion. Finally, the liver has an important role in immune function, due primarily to its resident macrophage, the Kupffer cell.