Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What organ is responsible for detoxifying toxic substances and producing bile?

1. Kidney

2. Liver

3. Gallbladder

4. Spleen

The correct answer is: Liver

The liver is the organ responsible for detoxifying toxic substances and producing bile. This vital organ plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients from the food we consume and filtering out harmful substances from the bloodstream. One of the key functions of the liver is to process and neutralize toxins, such as drugs and alcohol, through a series of enzymatic reactions. It transforms these potentially harmful substances into less toxic compounds that can be excreted from the body, primarily through the kidneys or via bile. Additionally, the liver produces bile, a digestive fluid essential for the emulsification and absorption of fats in the diet. Bile is stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion, but the production of bile itself occurs in the liver. In comparison, the kidneys are primarily responsible for filtering blood and excreting waste products as urine, the gallbladder serves as a storage facility for bile, and the spleen is involved in blood filtration and immune responses. Therefore, the liver's dual role in detoxification and bile production makes it a critical organ for maintaining overall metabolic health.