The liver, although it produces and releases some hormones, is primarily considered an exocrine gland rather than an endocrine gland. As the largest internal organ in the human body, the liver performs a multitude of functions essential for metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and storage of nutrients. It synthesizes bile, a digestive fluid that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine, and releases it into the digestive tract via ducts.

Additionally, the liver plays a vital role in metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, regulating blood sugar levels, and detoxifying harmful substances from the bloodstream. While the liver does produce hormones such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and angiotensinogen, which contribute to various physiological processes, its primary function is not hormone secretion. Instead, the liver’s endocrine functions are secondary to its broader metabolic and digestive roles within the body.