Which organ is primarily responsible for transferring toxic substances to nontoxic or less toxic forms?

The liver is the organ primarily responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying harmful substances in the body. Through a series of biochemical processes known as drug metabolism, the liver converts various toxic compounds into less harmful forms that can be more easily excreted from the body. This process often involves the transformation of lipid-soluble compounds, which can accumulate in the body, into water-soluble forms that can be eliminated through urine or bile.

The liver's role is crucial for the detoxification of substances introduced into the system, including herbicides, medications, and other environmental toxins. It uses enzymatic reactions, particularly through cytochrome P450 enzymes, to modify toxins. The liver's ability to process these harmful substances protects other organs from damage and maintains overall metabolic balance.

In contrast, other organs such as the lungs are primarily involved in gas exchange and do not play a significant role in detoxifying substances. The heart's main function is to pump blood and maintain circulation, while the kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting waste products from the blood; however, they rely on the liver's detoxification processes to some extent before filtering out substances. Consequently, while all these organs contribute to bodily functions, the liver is uniquely positioned as the central organ in the