Question

Which of the following is not a function of the liver in adults? a. produces bile b. detoxifies alcohol c. stores glucose d. produces urea e. makes red blood cells

Short answer

" is (e) makes red blood cells, as this is not a function of the liver in adult humans.

Step-by-step solution

Review the functions of the liver

The liver is a vital organ, responsible for several essential processes within the human body. Some of its functions include producing bile, detoxifying harmful substances, storing glucose, and producing urea. Having background knowledge of the liver's functions will help you find the option that does not match its functions.

Evaluate each option

Go through each option and compare it with your knowledge of the liver's functions. a. Produces bile: Bile is produced in the liver and aids in digestion and absorption of fats. b. Detoxifies alcohol: Detoxifying alcohol is one of the most essential functions of the liver. This means breaking down and removing harmful substances, such as alcohol, from the body. c. Stores glucose: The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen, which can be turned back into glucose when the body needs more energy. d. Produces urea: Urea is produced in the liver as part of the process of breaking down proteins and ammonia, which is a waste product. The urea is then eliminated through the kidneys and excreted in the urine.

Identify the option that is not a function of the liver

After evaluating all the given options, we can see that one option has not been mentioned as a function of the liver. e. Makes red blood cells: The production of red blood cells is not a function of the liver in adults. The liver does produce red blood cells during embryonic development, but this function is taken over by bone marrow in children and adults.

Conclusion

The answer to the question "Which of the following is not a function of the liver in adults?" is (e) makes red blood cells, as this is not a function of the liver in adult humans.

Key concepts

Bile Production

The liver plays a crucial role in the production of bile, a dark green to yellowish-brown fluid that is essential for digestion. Bile is produced by liver cells known as hepatocytes. Once produced, it is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed.
The primary purpose of bile is to aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. When you eat fatty foods, bile is released into the intestines to emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets.

• This process increases the surface area of fats, making them easier for digestive enzymes to break down further.
• Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.

Without bile, the body would struggle to process lipids efficiently, leading to nutritional deficiencies.

Detoxification

Detoxification is one of the liver's primary functions, crucial for maintaining the body's health. The liver detoxifies the blood by metabolizing and breaking down toxins, drugs, and other harmful substances.
During this process, potentially toxic substances are chemically altered into harmless forms that can be excreted from the body.
Certain liver enzymes transform these harmful substances into water-soluble compounds that are then excreted through urine, or they may be processed as bile for elimination through the digestive tract.

• Detoxification involves two main phases: oxidation and conjugation.
• In oxidation, enzymes like cytochrome P450 add oxygen or remove hydrogen from molecules, making toxins more water-soluble.
• In conjugation, these altered substances are bound to other compounds, further aiding their removal.

Through these processes, the liver protects the body from accumulating harmful chemicals.

Glucose Storage

The liver plays a significant role in managing the body's energy supply by storing glucose. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy, and when there's an excess of it after meals, the liver stores it as glycogen.
This stored glycogen can be converted back into glucose when the body needs energy, particularly between meals or during exercise.

• When blood sugar levels drop, the liver breaks down glycogen through a process called glycogenolysis, releasing glucose into the bloodstream.
• This ensures a steady supply of glucose, keeping blood sugar levels stable.

The liver’s ability to release glucose as needed is vital in maintaining energy balance and preventing conditions like hypoglycemia.

Urea Production

The liver is responsible for producing urea through the urea cycle, an important part of the body's waste management system. Proteins in the diet are broken down into amino acids, which can be used for energy but generate a waste product called ammonia.
Since ammonia is toxic to the body, it must be promptly converted into a safer compound. The liver transforms ammonia into urea by combining it with carbon dioxide.

• This process occurs in the hepatocytes and is energy-dependent.
• Urea is then transported from the liver to the kidneys, where it is expelled from the body through urine.

Urea production is a crucial function because it helps control nitrogen levels in the body and prevents the accumulation of harmful ammonia.