Which organ is primarily responsible for detoxifying chemicals in the body?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxifying chemicals in the body. It plays a crucial role in metabolizing substances, breaking down toxins, and converting them into less harmful compounds that can be eliminated from the body. The liver processes metabolites from the digestive tract, filtering out harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol, and converts them into forms that can be excreted either through urine or bile. Its ability to perform these essential functions makes it a key organ in maintaining the body's overall homeostasis and reducing the impact of potentially harmful compounds.

While the kidneys do assist in filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them through urine, their main function is not detoxification in the same comprehensive manner as the liver. The heart plays a vital role in circulating blood but is not involved in the detoxification process. The skin serves as a protective barrier and can excrete some waste products through sweat, but it is not primarily tasked with detoxification like the liver. Thus, the liver's unique capabilities position it as the central organ for detoxification in the human body.