Lesson #8: The Liver

Question 1

The Liver

Answer 1

The Liver is a two – lobed organ
associated with digestion as well as
filtration and storage.

The liver receives its blood supply
through the hepatic artery.

The liver receives blood to be
filtered through the hepatic portal
vein from the intestines and
returns the filtered blood to the
heart through the hepatic vein.

Question 2

Bile Production

Answer 2

The liver produces bile and stores it in the gall bladder.

The bile enters the duodenum through the bile duct

Bile emulsifies fat.

Responsible for breaking fat down mechanically NOT
CHEMICALLY.

Question 3

Filtration

Answer 3

After nutrients are absorbed by the villi in the walls of the small
intestine, the blood is carried via the portal vein to the liver

The liver removes any toxins that may be present in the blood
(alcohol, drugs etc.)

Question 4

Maintain Blood Sugar Balance

Answer 4

The liver actively removes glucose from the blood it filters.

Excess glucose is converted into the glycogen and stored in the
liver

If glucose levels in the blood drop then the liver converts
glycogen into glucose

Question 5

Waste Management

Answer 5

The liver converts left over amino acids and toxic ammonia (end
products of protein digestion) into Urea which is transported to
the kidneys to be removed from the body

Question 6

Storage and Production

Answer 6

The liver stores Vitamins A, D, B12 and Iron.

The liver produces Vitamin A and cholesterol used in cell
membrane formation.

The liver also produces proteins for blood clotting and globulins
to fight infections.