A&P Chapter 23: The Digestive System (Part Twelve)

In addition to its processing of amino acids and sugars, the liver plays an important role in the ____________ and __________

1. processing of fats 2. detoxification of drugs and alcohol

In the liver's metabolic role, the liver uses amino acids from the nutrient-rich hepatic portal blood to make many blood proteins such as ____, which helps to hold water in the bloodstream, and _____, which prevent blood loss when blood vessels are damages.

Albumin clotting factors

The function of _________ is transport of cholesterol to peripheral tissues, where cells use it to construct their plasma _______ or to synthesize __________.

LDL membranes steroid hormones

Two other important functions of the liver are the storage of vitamins (such as vitamin _________) and of the metal ________ (as ferritin.)

Vitamin A Iron (FE)

The liver also makes a steroid substance that is released to the blood called _____________, and has been implicated in high blood pressure and heart disease.

cholesterol

When the liver makes glucose from noncarbohydrate substances such as fats or proteins, the process is termed ___.

gluconeogenesis

The liver acts to maintain homeostatic blood ____ levels.

glucose

The process where the liver cells break down the stored carbohydrate, glycogen, and releases it as glucose into the blood stream to elevate glucose levels is called _______.

glycogenolysis

The liver removes glucose from the blood when blood glucose levels are high, a condition called ________, and stores it as __________.

hyperglycemia glycogen

When blood glucose levels are low, a condition called _______, liver cells break down the stored carbohydrate (glycogen) and release glucose to the blood once again.

hypoglycemia

The liver forms small complexes called ________, which are needed to transport fatty acids, fats, and cholesterol in the blood because lipids are _______ in a watery medium.

lipoproteins insoluble

The function of high-density lipoproteins (HDL's) is transport of cholesterol to the ____________, where it is degraded and secreted as ________, which are eventually excreted.

liver bile salts

The liver is the most important ______ organ in the body.

metabolic

The liver's _______ cells protect the body by ingesting bacteria and other debris.

phagocytic

High levels of cholesterol in the plasma are of concern because of the risk of __________.

atherosclerosis