Explain/ describe the role of the liver in homeostasis and excretion.

Role in homeostasis
a)Regulation of blood sugar/glucose; When there is excess sugar/rises above normal; the hormone insulin is produced by interstitial cells of (Beta (ß) Islets of Langerhans of) the pancreas; Insulin stimulates liver cells to convert the excess glucose to glycogen or fats for storage; increase oxidation of glucose; inhibit conversion of glycogen to glucose; thus lowering blood sugar level to normal/ optimum level;
When the blood sugar level drops below normal, the hormone glucagon; is produced by the interstitial cells (Alpha (§) Islets of Langerhans of) the pancreas; Glucagon stimulates the liver cells to convert glycogen and fats to glucose; reduce the breakdown of glucose thus raising blood sugar level to normal/ optimum level;
b)Production of heat energy/ thermoregulation; When the temperature is low, the hypothalamus sends impulse to the liver; The liver increases the rate of metabolic reactions producing heat energy; which is distributed throughout the body thus increasing the body temperature;
Role in excretion
c)Deamination/ Regulation of amino acids levels; Amino group (NH2) is removed from the amino acid; Amino group combines with hydrogen atom to form ammonia; Ammonia is taken into ornithine cycle reacts/ combines with carbon (IV) oxide to form urea; controlled by enzyme carbonic anhydrase/ orginase; The remaining organic compound is converted into glucose; Glucose is broken down to release energy or converted into glycogen/ fat for storage;
d)Detoxification/detoxication of toxic substances; The liver converts toxic substances into harmless form and eliminates them;
e)Excretion of bile pigments/ haemoglobin regulation; Bile pigments produced as a result of breakdown of red blood cells/haemoglobin are removed by the liver;