What role does the liver play in the body?

The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and homeostasis within the body by filtering toxins from the blood. It acts as a natural detoxifier, processing substances that enter the bloodstream and breaking them down into harmless components. This detoxification process includes converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea, which is then excreted through urine. The liver also filters out drugs, alcohol, and harmful substances, making it essential for preventing toxicity and ensuring the body's internal environment remains stable.

While insulin production is an important function of the pancreas, not the liver, and the primary site for oxygen exchange occurs in the lungs, the liver's detoxification capability stands out as a major function. Additionally, even though the liver is involved in digestion, it contributes to the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, not exclusively carbohydrates alone.