CHAPTER X. 



BILE. 



The liver has two chief functions, which are so distinct in 

 their ultimate object that they may be conveniently described 

 separately, although we are not aware that any natural distinc- 

 tion exists in the manner of their performance. One is mainly 

 excrementitious, namely, the secretion of bile,* which belongs to 

 the fluids connected with digestion, and therefore naturally falls 

 into this chapter. The other is purely nutritive, consisting in 

 the formation of glycogen. The glycogenic function of the liver 



FIG. 71. 



Section of the Liver of the Newt, in which the bile ducts have been injected, and can 

 be seen to form a network of fine capillaries around the liver cells, the outlines and 

 nuclei of which can be seen. 



is of the first importance in the elaboration of the blood, and will 

 therefore be reserved for the chapter on that subject. 



Among the most striking anatomical peculiarities of the liver 

 are : (1) The gall bladder is its receptacle for storing the secre- 

 tion until it is required. (2) It has a double supply of blood. 



* Probably, also, the manufacture of urea should be mentioned here, for 

 there is no doubt, as will be seen later on, that the liver has an important 

 share in producing this substance. 



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