The Human Liver
...na cava. As you can see in the diagram above each lobule consist of a central vein which is surrounded by tiny liver cells that are grouped in bundles. The work of the liver is performed by these cells. Sinusoids are cavities that separate the groups of cells within a lobule. They give the liver’s spongy texture which allows it to hold large amounts of blood is made possible by the sinusoids. The liver’s functions of regulation, synthesis, and secretion of many substances are very important in maintaining the body’s normal storage of important nutrients such as glycogen, vitamins, and minerals. Its function is also important in purification, transformation, and clearances of waste products, drugs, and toxins. The liver’s hepatocytes (metabolically active cells) help the body maintain homeostasis by regulating blood levels of substances such as cholesterol and glucose. Hepatocytes store glucose, minerals, and vitamins and can produce many important substances needed in the body, such as blood clotting factors, transporter proteins, cholesterol, and bile components. Hepatocytes are also responsible for the synthesizing of bile. Except for antibodies, most blood proteins are synthesized and secreted by the liver. The liver also produces most of the proteins responsible for blood clotting. If there is a decrease in the production of these coagulation or clotting factors, excessive bleeding may be a resultant. The liver is also responsible for storage. Along with glucose, the liver stores fat soluble vitamins, folate, Vitamin B12 and minerals such as copper and iron. …but excessive accumulation of certain substances can be harmful. When it comes to purification, transformation, and clearance, the liver has a lot of work to do. The liver removes harmful toxins from the blood and then transforms them into less harmful compounds. The liver converts ammonia to urea which is then excreted into the urine by the kidneys. Nearly all drugs are degraded or modified by the liver. With all of its other functions the liver also has circulatory functions. Although the liver is part of the gastrointestinal system, it plays a major role in blood circulation. The liver collects and processes all of the gastrointestinal blood through the portal vein, and delivers it to the right atrium of the heart. The blood received by the liver is received through the portal vein and the hepatic artery. The liver processes so much blood, that at one time, more than 25% of the total blood output from the heart is flown through its tissues. Naturally, with the liver being so unique and important, there are a number of diseases that affect its function. One of the major diseases of the liver is, Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver is the 11th l...