Liver is the largest gland of the body weighing about 1.2 to 1.5 kg in an adult human. It is situated in the abdominal cavity, just below the
diaphragm. It has two lobes called the hepatic lobules and are the structural and
functional units of liver. The lobules contain hepatic cells arranged in the form of cords. Each lobule is covered by a thin connective tissue sheath called the Glisson’s capsule.
Functions of Liver :
1. Secretion of bile : The hepatic cells secrete bile.
2. Glycogenesis : The cells of liver store glycogen. Excess amount of glucose is converted into glycogen. The process is called glycogenesis.
3. Deamination : Liver converts excess of amino acids into ammonia. This process is called deamination.
4. Detoxification : Liver converts toxic NH3 into urea. Urea is harmless.
5. Storage of salts of Fe and Cu : Liver stores salts of Fe and Cu.
6. Manufacture of R.B.C. : Liver manfactures R.B.C. only in embryo.
7. Manufacture of fibrinogens : Liver manfactures fibrinogens which help in blood clotting.
8. Manufacture of Heparin : The liver manufactures haparin which checks clotting in body.
