Organ Functions

Question 1

Liver

Answer 1

• Located in RUQ
• Produces bile which helps carry away waste and break down fats
• Produces certain proteins for blood plasma as well as cholesterol
• Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage
• Processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content
• Clearing blood of drugs and other poisonous substances
• Regulates blood clotting
• Removes bacteria from blood
• Clearance of bilirubin and RBCs

Question 2

Kidney

Answer 2

• Removes waste from blood and returns the cleaned blood back to the body
• Maintains healthy balance of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in blood
• Filters excess water and electrolytes
• Produces hormone that stimulates production of RBCs

Question 3

Gallbladder

Answer 3

• Stores bile (produced by liver to help digest fat)
• The more fat we eat, the more bile the gallbladder injects into the digestive tract

Question 4

Spleen

Answer 4

• Contains infection fighting WBCs
• Controls level of WBCs, RBCs, and platelets
• Filters blood, assists in immune function, iron metabolism, stores blood in case of an emergency, and regulates blood cell production

Question 5

Pancreas

Answer 5

• Produces enzymes that help digest food, particularly protein
• Makes insulin which helps control blood sugar levels
• Produces glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels by releasing glucose
• Produces somatostain, which inhibits release of insulin or glucagon