Fig 004 Liver and Gallbladder

Links: Click to navigate to a specific region
Images: Click to show this view
Toolbar: Use controls to adjust magnification and pan the image

Liver and Gallbladder

The liver is an accessory digestive gland that performs over 500 distinct functions that impact all body systems.

Glucose metabolism - regulation of blood glucose concentration (glucose stored as glycogen)
Protein metabolism - synthesis of plasma proteins (albumin, blood clotting factors), synthesis of non-essential amino acids
Lipid metabolism - synthesis of cholesterol and phospholipids, converts excess carbohydrates into fatty acids
Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and iron
Detoxification of drugs, harmful metabolites, and xenobiotics
Removal of old or damaged red blood cells
Bile production and secretion - produces compounds important in the digestion and absorption of fats, eliminates waste products (bilirubin, cholesterol, drugs)

Bile is stored in the gallbladder (green) until it is released into the small intestine.