• TED Ed - 5 minutes

The liver performs two important digestive functions:

• After food has been digested in the small intestine, the nutrients are absorbed and transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. These nutrients (especially glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and glycerol) are either converted into energy, transported to working muscles or stored for later use. 

• A green-coloured fluid called bile is produced in the liver. Bile collects in the gallbladder and passes into the duodenum (the junction of the stomach and small intestine) when required via the bile duct. Bile is an alkaline fluid. It neutralises the acid from the stomach to prevent it digesting the rest of the digestive system. It also helps break down lipids (fats and oils).

The liver is the second largest organ in the human body (the skin is the largest).