Final answer:
The liver's main functions include producing bile for digestion, processing nutrients, detoxifying blood, regulating blood sugar, and synthesizing proteins and lipids. It metabolizes carbohydrates, stores vitamins and minerals, and excretes wastes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The liver is a critical organ with numerous functions, particularly in digestion and systemic regulation. A direct answer to its functions includes the production of bile for fat digestion and detoxification of the blood. The liver also plays a role in metabolism, such as carbohydrate metabolism which includes gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and glycogenesis. Furthermore, the liver stores vital nutrients like vitamins and minerals, synthesizes proteins and lipids necessary for various body functions, and regulates blood sugar levels by storing excess glucose as glycogen.
Beyond its role in metabolism, the liver is essential for processing nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract and producing plasma proteins like albumin. It breaks down and excretes waste products and toxic substances via urine or bile. Its ability to convert toxic substances into harmless ones through metabolism is a crucial function for maintaining homeostasis in the body.