The liver is the primary organ that removes bilirubin.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. More specifically, it's a byproduct of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. The liver plays a crucial role in processing and excreting bilirubin from the body through the digestive system, as part of the bile.
The Liver's Role in Bilirubin Removal
The liver's function in bilirubin removal can be summarized as follows:
- Conjugation: The liver modifies bilirubin, making it water-soluble. This process is called conjugation.
- Excretion: The conjugated bilirubin is then excreted into bile, which is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
- Elimination: Bile is released into the small intestine, where bilirubin is eventually eliminated from the body through feces.
Therefore, the liver is essential for the proper processing and removal of bilirubin, preventing its buildup in the body, which can lead to jaundice.
