Nutrient Metabolism

The liver is involved in the metabolism of nutrients. It receives digestive products in the form of glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and glycerol.

The metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein takes place in the liver, although specific functions are carried out by fat depots and skeletal muscle. Metabolic end products are often stored in the liver and utilized at a later stage if required.

How the hepatocytes deal with the nutrients depends on whether each nutrient is in abundance or whether levels are low in the body and they are therefore in demand. The hepatocytes alter their metabolic pathways accordingly.