Final answer:
The liver stores glucose as glycogen, vitamins A, D, B12, K, and minerals like iron and copper. It synthesizes proteins such as fibrinogen and albumin, as well as lipids including cholesterol and triglycerides, and converts toxins into excretable forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The liver is an essential organ that performs a multitude of functions, including acting as a storage house for various substances. It stores glucose in the form of glycogen and releases it into the blood to help regulate blood sugar levels. The liver also stores important vitamins such as A, D, B12, and K, as well as the minerals iron and copper. Additionally, it synthesizes proteins necessary for various functions, including blood clotting and transportation of fatty acids and steroid hormones.
Among the proteins synthesized by the liver are fibrinogen for blood clotting, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) for growth, and albumin for nutrient transport. The liver also plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, creating necessary lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, the liver is responsible for the detoxification of waste products and toxic substances, converting them into forms that can be excreted by the body safely.
During the absorptive state, the liver cells transform excess glucose into glycogen, a more storage-friendly form, through glucose-6-phosphate. Other vital functions of the liver include the conversion of ammonia to urea, which is then excreted, and the production of red blood cells (RBC) during the early stages of fetal development.