Which of the following is a major function of the liver?

The liver plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, and one of its primary functions is the production of bile and the detoxification of harmful substances. Bile is produced by liver cells (hepatocytes) and is essential for the emulsification and absorption of fats in the small intestine. This process enhances the digestion of dietary lipids.

Moreover, the liver is responsible for detoxifying various metabolites, drugs, and toxins that enter the bloodstream. It breaks down these substances to make them less harmful and facilitates their excretion from the body. This dual functionality of producing bile and detoxifying makes the liver indispensable for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and ensuring proper digestive function.

While the liver does participate in some hormone synthesis, particularly related to metabolism, and stores certain nutrients and vitamins, its most significant and critical roles include bile production and the detoxification process. This understanding highlights the liver's central importance in both digestion and metabolic regulation within the body.