Outline and explain the various homeostatic functions of the liver in mammals

• Deamination– gets rid of excess amino acids in the body as the body is not able to store them; Excess amino acids are broken down into amino group and carboxyl group. The amino group combines with Hydrogen ion to form ammonia. Ammonia enters the Ornithine cycle where it combines with Carbon (IV) oxide to form urea. Urea is excreted in urine through the kidney.
• Detoxification– is the process where toxic compounds are converted to less toxic compounds. Toxicity is caused by medication, drugs and microorganisms. Detoxification prevents the accumulation of toxins in body cells which could lead to death or malfunctioning of body cells;
• Thermoregulation– many metabolic activities take place in the liver releasing heat energy that is distributed by blood to other parts of the body. When the blood vessels dilate during hot conditions when temperatures are low; the blood vessels constrict under the influence of the endocrine and nervous systems hence less blood is stored in the liver; which contributes to thermoregulation.
• Blood sugar regulation– liver cells convert excess glucose into glycogen and fats under the influence of insulin hormone; The stored glycogen is converted into glucose when the glucose level is low by liver cells under the influence of glucagon hormone;
• Regulation of plasma proteins – plasma proteins such as prothrombin and fibrinogen are manufactured in the liver using the amino acids found in the liver; they play a major role in blood clotting that prevent excessive blood loss and infection at the injured area;