Your Health

The Function of the Liver

Energy Metabolism

The hepatocytes found in the liver play an important role in many metabolic activities. All blood leaving our digestive system has to pass through the hepatic portal vein. Thus, the liver is involved in breaking down carbs, proteins, and lipids to generate energy for the body. Carbs are transformed into monosaccharide glucose, which body cells often use as the primary source of energy. Similarly, fatty acids in your blood passing this organ will be absorbed and metabolized to produce ATP. [7]