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The Liver
The liver is the largest gland in the body
and is located just caudal to the diaphragm.
Main functions:
 | metabolism of proteins, fats and
carbohydrates
| synthesis of substances like proteins
| bile secretion - eliminates waste products and
aids fat digestion
| detoxification of foreign substances that have
been ingested
| storage of blood and various nutrients
| destruction of worn out red blood cells
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The portal
vein carries nutrient-rich blood from the
intestines directly to the liver.
The gall
bladder stores bile and releases it into
the duodenum when food is present. Some species, such as the horse,
do not have a gall bladder.
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