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Multiple Choice
Which organ is primarily responsible for oxidizing approximately 90% of consumed alcohol in the human body?
A
Stomach
B
Pancreas
C
Kidney
D
Liver
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of alcohol metabolism in the human body: Alcohol is primarily metabolized to prevent its toxic effects. The process involves enzymes that break down alcohol into less harmful substances.
Identify the organ responsible for alcohol metabolism: The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol. It contains enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) that facilitate this process.
Clarify why other organs are not primarily responsible: The stomach plays a minor role in alcohol absorption, but it does not metabolize alcohol significantly. The pancreas is involved in digestion and hormone regulation, not alcohol metabolism. The kidneys filter blood and regulate waste, but they do not metabolize alcohol.
Explain the metabolic pathway in the liver: Alcohol is oxidized in the liver through a two-step enzymatic process. First, alcohol dehydrogenase converts ethanol into acetaldehyde. Then, aldehyde dehydrogenase converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid, which is further broken down into carbon dioxide and water.
Summarize the importance of the liver in alcohol metabolism: Approximately 90% of consumed alcohol is metabolized in the liver, making it the primary organ responsible for this process. This highlights the liver's critical role in detoxifying alcohol and maintaining homeostasis.