Functions:
Liver is the largest internal organ and it has many functions like, regulation of blood glucose levels when there is excess glucose it converts glucose into glycogen. When there is need of energy it can convert it back to glucose. Metabolism of proteins and fats is the other important function of the liver. It also stores various types of vitamins. The cells of liver produce bile, which helps in the breakdown of fats, and so digestion of fats. Liver breaks down the old red blood cells into bilirubin. Bilirubin is excreted into bile and urine. Liver also do the detoxification and breakdown of the toxic matter such as micro organisms, dead cells and chemicals. There are receptors on the surface of kupfer cells to identify toxic matter which are present in liver. It helps to absorb fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E etc.
Diseases:
Liver has many functions and so it is affected by many things and has many disease conditions like, liver cirrhosis where long term damage to the liver takes place by many things which lead to permanent scarring called cirrhosis, hepatitis A, B, C which is the inflammation of liver caused by the viruses. Liver failure has many causes like infections, genetic disease and excessive alcohol. Ascites is the result of cirrhosis when liver leaks fluid in the belly which becomes distended and heavy. Fatty liver is also a common condition which is most common in fat or obese people and also in alcoholics. Jaundice is one of the most common symptoms of liver disease which causes yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes.
Interesting Facts:
A human liver can still function if 80 percent of it has been removed. Eventually it will grow back to its original size. Bile produced in the liver is responsible for making faeces brownish or yellow colour.
