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Dylan Han(6) 2-5 Topic Chosen 1: Digestion Topic Chosen 2: Issues on Sex Links and Credits linkone linktwo Layout: hearteditorials Codes: -ambulance Icon: biconcave |
Sunday, July 13, 2008
E-learning day 9: 13 July 2008
From today onwards, almost all digestion topics will be focusing on parts of the digestive system that play important roles in digestion. What is the liver's function in the digestive system? The liver is the largest internal organ and gland in the human body. An adult human's liver can weigh up to 1.4-1.6kg. It has a length of 20cm horizontally, 17cm vertically and is 12cm thick. The liver plays a number of roles in the human digestive system. Firstly, it is able to store and process/metabolize this fats. It creates bile, a greenish alkaline liquid that causes fats and vitamins such as vitamins A,D,E and K to be reduced into a form of milky fluid. This milky fluid (emulsion) can then be absorbed by the intestines. Next, the liver can metabolize carbohydrates for storage. Metabolized carbohydrates in storage is a main source of glucose for the brain and the red blood cells to engage in routine activities. Other functions of the liver: "Cleansing" the body- detoxification, by metabolizing and/or secreting substances such as drugs, alchohol and environmental toxins. Destroy, by metabolizing and/or secreting harmful biochemicals produced by the body such as ammonia which breaks down proteins. Synthesizes proteins which affect blood clotting conditions and volume of blood in the body.  Sources: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4179 |
