Question

What three basic categories describe the functions of the liver? Why?

Answer 1

3 basic categories of Liver's vital functions

1) Regulation, Synthesis, and Secretion
2) Storage of important nutrients
3) Purification, Transformation, and Clearance.

1.  Regulation, Synthesis, and Secretion

a) Glucose
b) Immunity
c) Proteins
d) Bile
e) Lipids

2. Storage.

Stores glucose as glycogen and then converts glycogen back to glucose for release as needed for energy.
Stores fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E, and K), water-soluble vitamins (B and Folic Acid), minerals (Fe+ and copper), and amino acids in the form of albumin.

3. Purification, Transformation, and Clearance

The Liver removes harmful substances, (such as ammonia and toxins) from the blood and then breaks them down or transforms them into less harmful compounds.
The liver metabolizes most hormones and ingested drugs to either more or less active products