- Production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
- Production of certain proteins for blood plasma
- Production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
- Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage and to balance and make glucose as needed
- Regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
- Processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content
- Storage of iron
- Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea
- Clearance of drugs and other poisonous substances from the blood
- Regulation of blood clotting
- Resistance of infection by making immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
- Clearance of bilirubin, also from red blood cells
Common Liver Diseases and Disorders
Just like most organs, the liver can suffer from a number of diseases or disorders, including but not limited to:- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C.
- Cirrhosis: Long-term damage to the liver from any cause can lead to permanent scarring, called cirrhosis.
- Liver cancer: The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, almost always occurs after cirrhosis.
- Liver failure: Liver failure has many causes including infection, genetic diseases, and excessive alcohol.
- Ascites: As cirrhosis develops, the liver leaks fluid (ascites) into the belly, which becomes distended and heavy.
- Gallstones: If a gallstone becomes stuck in the bile duct draining the liver, hepatitis and bile duct infection (cholangitis) can result.
- Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis allows iron to deposit in the liver, damaging it. The iron also deposits throughout the body, causing other health problems.
