Chapter 7: Digestive System-III

Author: Mr. Abu Tahir
Volume: 01
First Online: 31 August 2024
Pages: 101-120
DOI:

The liver, a vital organ in the digestive system, plays key roles in metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient processing. Anatomically, it is divided into lobes—right, left, caudate, and quadrate—each connected to the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile ducts. The liver’s functions include producing bile for fat emulsification, processing nutrients absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and detoxifying harmful substances. The GIT itself is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food through coordinated movements like peristalsis and segmentation. These movements propel food along the tract and mix it with digestive enzymes. Nutrients are digested into simpler forms—carbohydrates into sugars, proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol—primarily in the small intestine. The absorption of these nutrients occurs through the intestinal lining, where they enter the bloodstream and are transported to the liver for further processing and storage. The liver thus acts as a central hub in maintaining nutrient balance and overall homeostasis.