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Physiology

How the liver works

Central in the abdomen, the liver is one of the most important organs in the body. The liver consists of two main lobes which regulate chemicals and produce bile. It has three fundamental roles; the vascular functions, the metabolic functions, and the secretory and excretory functions. About 75% of the blood that the liver processes is venous blood that comes in through the portal vein, and the other 25% is arterial blood from the hepatic artery. The blood is filtered by the liver which removes harmful chemicals and nutrients are also removed and stored by the liver. The liver turns glucose into glycogen and stores it until the body need it at which point it would be converted to glucose for energy again. The liver stores iron and regulates blood clotting, and produces bile which helps to carry away waste. This organ can even produce certain amino acids which are part of the building blocks of protein. It even plays a part in the metabolism of carbohydrates. There are over 500 functions the liver is involved in that we know of to date.

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How the liver works

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