Which organ in the human body is primarily responsible for detoxifying substances?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxifying substances in the human body. It plays a crucial role in metabolizing and breaking down toxins, drugs, and harmful substances. The liver converts these substances into less harmful compounds that can be easily excreted from the body, primarily through urine or bile.

In addition to detoxification, the liver contributes to various important functions, including the regulation of metabolism, storage of vitamins and minerals, and the production of bile, which helps in digestion. Its extensive network of blood vessels allows it to effectively filter blood coming from the digestive tract before it circulates to the rest of the body, making it a key player in maintaining overall health.

The kidney primarily filters waste products from the blood to form urine, but its main role is not detoxification in the same sense as the liver. The lungs are responsible for gas exchange—removing carbon dioxide and bringing in oxygen—and while they do filter some airborne substances, they are not the body's main detoxifying organ. The heart, on the other hand, is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body, but it does not perform detoxification functions.