Question

Functions of the liver include:

A) absorption of nutrients and toxins.
B) secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances.
C) production of hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.
D) release of amylase, which breaks down starches into sugar. Page 13

Answer 1

The liver facilitates digestion by producing bile for fat emulsification and filters toxins from the blood. It secretes bile and stores it in the gallbladder, breaking down toxins into less harmful compounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Functions of the Liver

The liver is a critical organ with many functions vital to maintaining good health. One of its main roles involves the production of bile, an alkaline liquid that helps with digestion, especially in emulsifying fats so that they can be more easily digested by enzymes within the small intestine. Bile is produced by hepatocytes and contains water, electrolytes, bile salts, cholesterol, and other components. Some bile is sent directly to the duodenum, while some is stored in the gallbladder, which releases it when needed.

Furthermore, the liver is responsible for filtering toxic substances from the blood, breaking them down into less harmful compounds that can be excreted. This detoxification process is crucial for processing medication and other toxic substances we may ingest or come into contact with. Additionally, the liver plays a key role in synthesizing proteins like albumen and clotting factors, storing vitamins and minerals, metabolizing carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins for use by the body.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding the functions of the liver is B) secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances.

Answer 2

The liver's main digestive role is to produce bile, which emulsifies fats and neutralizes acid content from the stomach. It also detoxifies blood by filtering out toxins and breaks down various substances, including medications. The correct option in the context of liver functions is B) secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances.

Step-by-step explanation:

The liver is a vital organ with multiple functions related to digestion and detoxification. One of its main digestive functions is the production and secretion of bile, which is vital for breaking down and absorbing fats. The bile produced by hepatocytes is either directly secreted into the duodenum or stored in the gallbladder. Besides emulsifying fats, bile also has an alkaline nature that helps neutralize the acidic chyme received from the stomach, creating an optimal environment for digestive enzymes in the small intestine.

Moreover, the liver also plays a crucial role in filtering toxins and wastes, transforming them into less toxic forms that can be excreted via bile or urine. This detoxifying function extends to the metabolism of various substances, including medications, making the liver important for pharmaceutical processing. Therefore, regarding the functions listed for the liver, option B) secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances is the correct option in the final answer.

In addition, the liver also stores vitamins and minerals, produces plasma proteins such as albumin, and contributes to metabolic processes, including glucose regulation and amino acid synthesis. It plays a pivotal role in the digestion of fats and processing vitamins and fatty acids, bolstering its central role in maintaining overall bodily function.