What is the primary function of the liver in the human body?

The primary function of the liver is detoxification of chemicals. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing substances, breaking down toxins, and converting them into less harmful compounds that can be excreted from the body. This includes the processing of drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products. The detoxification process helps maintain homeostasis and ensures that potentially harmful substances do not accumulate in the bloodstream, which is vital for overall health.

While filtration of blood is an important function of the kidneys, the liver is particularly known for processing and eliminating toxins. The production of insulin is primarily the function of the pancreas, and although the liver does play a role in glucose metabolism in relation to insulin, it does not produce this hormone. The gallbladder serves as a storage organ for bile produced by the liver, but it does not relate to the liver's primary functions. Therefore, detoxification is the key role that aligns most closely with the liver's diverse responsibilities in the body.