Digestive Function of the Liver

Sometimes referred to as the great chemical factory of the body, the liver creates, regulates, and stores a variety of substances used by the gastrointestinal system, and it serves a number of important digestive functions.

The main digestive chemical synthesized by the liver is bile. During a meal, bile is secreted by liver cells and travels through the hepatic duct system into the small intestine where it is used to break down fat molecules.

Between meals, bile is stored in the gall bladder. Bile further serves as a waste disposal system for toxins removed from the blood by the liver.

The liver also plays a major role in the regulation of blood glucose (blood sugar). The liver synthesizes, dissolves, and stores amino acids, protein, and fat. It stores several important vitamins like B₁₂ and Vitamin A. The liver also disposes of cellular waste and breaks down harmful substances, like alcohol.