function of bile juice, function of liver

 FUNCTIONS OF BILE: 2.5 mark

Most of the functions of bile are due to the bile salts.

 1. DIGESTIVE FUNCTION

 • emulsification of fats- fat globules are broken down into minute droplets ,in the form of milky fluid called emulsion.

 2. ABSORPTIVE FUNCTIONS

 • Absorption of fats -Bile salts combine with fats and make micelles, which is absorbed easily.

 3. EXCRETORY FUNCTIONS

 • Bile pigments are the major excretory products of the bile.

 4. LAXATIVE ACTION - Bile salts act as laxatives .

 5. ANTISEPTIC ACTION-Bile inhibits the growth of certain bacteria

 6. CHOLERETIC ACTION-Bile salts stimulate the secretion of bile from liver. this action is called choleretic action.

 7. MAINTENANCE OF pH IN GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT-As bile is highly alkaline, it neutralizes the acid chyme.

 8. PREVENTION OF GALLSTONE FORMATION-Bile salts prevent the formation of gallstone by keeping the cholesterol and lecithin in solution

 9. LUBRICATION FUNCTION-The mucin in bile acts as a lubricant for the chyme in intestine

 10. CHOLAGOGUE ACTION-Cholagogue is an agent which causes contraction of gallbladder and release of bile into the intestine.

FUNCTIONS OF LIVER: 4 mark

Liver is the largest gland and one of the vital organs of the body.

It performs many vital metabolic and homeostatic functions, such as:

 1. METABOLIC FUNCTION

 metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and many hormones are carried out.

 2. STORAGE FUNCTION

 glycogen, amino acids, iron, folic acid and vitamins A, B12 and D are stored in liver.

 3. SYNTHETIC FUNCTION

 • Liver produce glucose by gluconeogenesis.

 • It synthesis plasma protein and other protein.

 • It also synthesis steroid, stomatomedin and heparin.

 4. SECRETION OF BILE

 Liver secretes bile which contains bile salts, bile pigments, cholesterol, fatty acids and lecithin.

 5. EXCRETORY FUNCTION

 Liver excretes cholesterol, bile pigments, heavy metals, toxins, bacteria and virus through bile.

 6. HEAT PRODUCTION

 Enormous amount of heat is produced in the liver because of metabolic reactions

 7. HEMOPOIETIC FUNCTION

 • In fetus liver produces the blood cells

 • It stores vitamin B12 necessary for erythropoiesis

 • Liver produces thrombopoietin that promotes production of thrombocytes.

 8. HEMOLYTIC FUNCTION

 • reticuloendothelial cells (Kupffer cells) of liver destroy senile RBCs after lifespan of 120 days

 9. INACTIVATION OF HORMONES AND DRUGS

 Liver catabolizes the hormones such as growth hormone, parathormone, cortisol, insulin, glucagon and estrogen.

 10. DEFENSIVE AND DETOXIFICATION FUNCTIONS

 • Reticuloendothelial cells (Kupffer cells) of the liver play an important role in the defense of the body.

 • Liver also involved in DETOXIFICATION of foreign body.