Liver Metabolism and Function.

The liver is an extraordinary organ defined by its extensive roles that maintain a healthy state. The liver metabolizes carbohydrate, protein, and lipid for energy, transforms these to other nutrient classes, and can package nutrients to export or store them within the liver. In addition to its role in nutrient homeostasis, the liver has an excretory function, detoxifies and eliminates countless endogenous and exogenous substances, is a site of vitamin and mineral storage. The liver has capacity to maintain most of its functions in the face of disease until about 70% of the hepatic mass is affected.