6.5 Functions of the liver

Question 1

What is the main function of the liver

Answer 1

The liver is the main organ involved in regulating the levels of certain substances in the body.

Question 2

How does the liver Regulate blood glucose content

Answer 2

-Insulin stimulates liver cells to convert glucose into glycogen.
- Glucagon stimulates liver cells to convert glycogen into glucose.

Question 3

The live secretes ___, which emulsifies fats.
- Bile is temporarily stored in the gall bladder.

Answer 3

The live secretes bile, which emulsifies fats.
- Bile is temporarily stored in the gall bladder.

Question 4

How does the liver store iron?

Answer 4

The liver breaks down the haemoglobin in red blood cells, and stores the iron that is
released. Bile pigments are formed from the breakdown of the haemoglobin.

Question 5

what proteins does the liver synthesize

Answer 5

The liver synthesis protein found in blood plasma from amino acids in the diet. These plasma
proteins include prothrombin and fibrinogen which are essential for clotting of blood.

Question 6

What is Deamination

Answer 6

Deamination is the process by which amino groups are removed from amino acids and
converted to urea.

Question 7

What is Detoxification

Answer 7

Detoxification is the process of converting harmful substances into harmless substances

Question 8

How is alcohol broken down in the liver

Answer 8

Liver cells contain alcohol dehydrogenase, which breaks
down alcohol to acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde can be further broken down to compounds
that can be used in respiration to provide energy for cell activities.

Question 9

Effects of Excessive Alcohol Consumption, effects on the digestive system

Answer 9

Alcohol stimulates acid secretion in the stomach. Excess stomach acid increases the risk of
gastric ulcers.
- Prolonged alcohol abuse may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, where liver cells are destroyed
and replaced with fibrous tissue, making the liver less able to function.
- Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis may haemorrhage or have bleeding in the liver.
- This can lead to liver failure, and subsequently, death.

Question 10

Effects of Excessive Alcohol Consumption, Harmful effect on the nervous system (3 main)

Answer 10

Depressant - Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down some brain functions. Its effects vary from
one person to another.

Reduced self-control - Under the influence of alcohol, a person becomes carefree as alcohol takes away his
inhibitions. His self-control is reduced. Some may take social or personal liberties
which they may regret after the effects of alcohol have worn off.

Increased reaction times - As the person drinks more alcohol, other observable effects of intoxication such as
slurred speech occur.
- Blurred vision and poor muscular coordination make him clumsy and unable to walk
steadily. His judgement deteriorates and he tends to underestimate speed.
- As a driver, he may drive faster and with less caution, and his reactions become
slower.

Question 11

Effects of Excessive Alcohol Consumption, Social implications

Answer 11

• When a person drinks alcohol frequently he can become addicted. He is unable to stop
  drinking until he is drunk and his body becomes dependent on alcohol.
• Alcoholics tend to:
  
  • neglect their work and families, and exhibit violent behaviour especially towards
    family members.
  • commit more crimes compared to people who are sober.