What is the primary function of the liver?

The primary function of the liver is to process nutrients and detoxify harmful substances. This organ plays a crucial role in metabolism by converting nutrients from the food we consume into essential compounds that the body needs for energy and growth. After absorption in the digestive system, nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are transported to the liver, where they are metabolized appropriately.

Additionally, the liver aids in the detoxification process by filtering toxins and harmful substances from the blood, breaking them down, and converting them into harmless products that can be excreted from the body. This dual role of processing nutrients and detoxifying is vital for maintaining overall health and ensuring that the body functions properly.

The functions of absorbing nutrients and producing insulin are important but are primarily associated with other organs. The intestines are responsible for the absorption of nutrients, while the pancreas is the organ that produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Regulating body temperature is a function performed by the skin, hypothalamus, and other body systems rather than the liver. Therefore, focusing on the liver's capacity to process nutrients and manage toxins highlights its primary role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.