Which of the following is a role of the liver?

Prepare for the Texas AandM University Nutrition for Health and Health Care exam. Our study materials feature flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding and increase your success rate.

The liver plays a vital role in processing and redistributing nutrients that are absorbed from the digestive tract. After food is digested and nutrients are released, they enter the bloodstream and are transported to the liver. Here, the liver takes on several critical functions: it metabolizes carbohydrates by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage, synthesizes proteins from amino acids, and plays a role in fat metabolism. Beyond nutrient processing, the liver also regulates the levels of various substances in the blood and ensures that nutrients reach other parts of the body where they are needed.

The other options do not accurately describe primary functions of the liver. While the liver does produce components that are important for blood health, it does not produce red blood cells—that function primarily occurs in bone marrow. The liver also produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder, rather than storing it itself. Lastly, the absorption of vitamin C takes place in the intestines, not in the liver. Thus, the liver’s primary role in nutrient processing and redistribution is essential to maintaining overall health.

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