Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Practice

What does the liver synthesize in the body?

1. Insulin and glucagon

2. Bile and blood proteins

3. Cholesterol and triglycerides

4. Enzymes and hormones

The correct answer is: Bile and blood proteins

The liver is a crucial organ responsible for numerous metabolic processes, and one of its primary functions is the synthesis of bile and several important blood proteins. Bile is essential for the emulsification and absorption of fats in the digestive system, while blood proteins like albumin and clotting factors (such as fibrinogen) play vital roles in maintaining osmotic pressure and facilitating blood coagulation, respectively. The synthesis of bile occurs in the liver’s hepatocytes, which produce bile acids from cholesterol. This bile is then stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestine during the digestion of fats. Additionally, the liver produces key proteins that are released into the bloodstream, contributing to various physiological functions, including transport and immune responses. While the liver also plays a role in producing cholesterol and triglycerides (as indicated in one of the other options), the option correctly identifies bile and blood proteins as significant substances synthesized by the liver, highlighting the organ's multifaceted role in metabolic processes.