MCQ Detailed View

The liver is the largest gland in the human body, performing a wide range of essential functions for survival. It is a reddish-brown organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. The liver is both a gland and a vital organ, weighing around 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms in adults.                The liver is classified as a gland because it secretes bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats into smaller particles for absorption in the small intestine. Besides bile production, the liver has several other crucial functions:

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  Metabolism: Converts nutrients from food into energy, stores glycogen, and regulates blood sugar levels.

  
  


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  Detoxification: Filters harmful substances, including drugs, alcohol, and toxins, from the blood.

  
  


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  Protein synthesis: Produces essential proteins like albumin and blood-clotting factors.

  
  


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  Vitamin and mineral storage: Stores vitamins A, D, E, K, and minerals like iron and copper for future use.

  
  


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  Immune function: Helps fight infections by removing bacteria from the bloodstream.

  
  

Other options are not correct because:

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  Thyroid gland: Though important for regulating metabolism through hormone production, it is smaller than the liver.

  
  


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  Pancreas: Functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland, producing insulin and digestive enzymes, but it is much smaller.

  
  


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  None of these: Incorrect since the liver is clearly the largest gland.

  
  

The liver is unique as it can regenerate itself if part of it is damaged or surgically removed, which is not common among other glands.

In conclusion, the liver is the largest gland in the human body, making option B (Liver) the correct choice in this biology MCQ.