Liver - largest gland in the body its upper surface touches the diaphragm and the lower surface is in contact with the stomach and small intestine. attached to lower surface of liver are 3 blood vessels.

Liver cells produce and secrete bile an alkaline greenish yellow liquid containing bile salts. does not contain enzymes - so it cannot chemically digest food but it aids in physical digestion of fats.

Bile stored temporarily in gallbladder gallbladder > greenish yellow bag attached to liver when gallbladder contracts - bile flows into duodenum via bile duct.


Functions of the Liver