Pediatric Hepatic Physiology

Abstract

The liver is a complex organ with a central role in processing the effects of phasic enteral nutrition, while ensuring metabolic homeostasis. It therefore successfully combines various complementary biochemical processes involving proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. It contributes to the breakdown and hence absorption of ingested lipids and is an integral part of cholesterol metabolism and excretion. It remains the only site of excretion of the products of heme degradation via absorption, conjugation, and excretion of bilirubin. The liver also plays a central role in synthesis of key protein components of the coagulation cascade.