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