Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Physiology | Metabolic and Synthetic Functions of the Liver 1

Metabolic and Synthetic Functions of the Liver 1
Session Overview
Description
Biotransformation of xenobiotics and recycling of endogenous substances are crucial for survival. The metabolic processes of both are the same, and are discussed together in this session.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Differentiate between phase I and phase II metabolism
• Outline the function and metabolism of bile
• List the components of bile
• Describe the breakdown pathway of haem
• Outline the metabolism of bilirubin

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete the following:

• Functional liver anatomy and blood supply (001-0685)

The liver is a central organ of metabolism and is able to synthesise or degrade a wide variety of molecules in a regulated way. This includes substances as different as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, bile acids and innumerable exogenous compounds.

Table 1 displays a classification of liver function. This breakdown enables structured discussion of each key function.

This session will discuss biotransformation, bile formation and excretion, and haem metabolism together as the metabolic processes involved are the same for all.

The aspects of intermediate metabolism and synthetic function, as well as the immunological role of the liver are discussed in Metabolic and Synthetic Functions of the Liver 2 (001-0687).