does the liver have exocrine and endocrine functions? if so, what the functions?
I don't think the liver has both exocrine and endocrine functions.
I could be wrong. Someone kindly explain?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "liver functions" to get these possible sources:
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=liver+functions&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
the liver has both exocrine and endocrine functions.
I'll copy and paste from a website I found:
The Liver
This is the largest glandular mass of tissue, and the largest internal organ of the body.
It receives substances from the digestive tract via the portal vein, including metabolites, nutrients, and toxins.
The liver normally conjugates (degrades) toxins, but may be overwhelmed by them.
The liver has both exocrine and endocrine functions:
Exocrine functions include the production of bile from metabolic conversions of substrates from the digestive tract, pancreas and spleen.
Secretion occurs via bile ductules draining into the hepatic duct, the gallbladder, the cystic duct, the common bile duct and, finally, into the duodenum.
Endocrine functions include the release of substances produced by liver cells into blood, including albumin, lipoprotein, globulins, liver glycogen, and T3 (thyroid hormone).
Yes, the liver does have both exocrine and endocrine functions.
Exocrine Function of the Liver:
The liver produces and secretes bile, a substance that aids in digestion. Bile is produced by hepatocytes, which are the cells of the liver. It is then transported to the gallbladder, where it is stored and concentrated until it is released into the small intestine. Bile helps in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the digestive system.
Endocrine Function of the Liver:
The liver also plays a role in the endocrine system by producing and releasing certain hormones into the bloodstream. One important hormone produced by the liver is insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). IGF-1 is involved in promoting growth and development, particularly in children. Additionally, the liver produces a hormone called thrombopoietin, which regulates the production of platelets by the bone marrow. Platelets are involved in blood clotting.
So, in summary, the liver has exocrine functions related to bile production and secretion, as well as endocrine functions related to the production of hormones like IGF-1 and thrombopoietin.
Yes, you are correct. The liver primarily has exocrine functions, but it also has some endocrine functions.
Exocrine functions refer to the release of substances into ducts or cavities that lead to external sites. In the case of the liver, the exocrine function involves producing and secreting bile into the bile ducts. Bile plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
On the other hand, the liver also has some endocrine functions. Endocrine functions involve the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target tissues or organs. In the case of the liver, one of its endocrine functions is the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in response to growth hormone from the pituitary gland. IGF-1 plays a role in growth and development, as well as in regulating metabolism. The liver also produces and releases other hormones, including angiotensinogen, thrombopoietin, and some prohormones.
So, while the liver is primarily involved in exocrine functions related to bile production, it also has some important endocrine functions related to hormone production and regulation.