Which organ is primarily responsible for eliminating alcohol from the body?

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and eliminating alcohol from the body. It contains enzymes that break down alcohol, primarily through a process called oxidation. When a person consumes alcohol, the liver converts most of it into acetaldehyde, which is then further processed into acetic acid before being eliminated from the body. This process helps prevent alcohol toxicity.

As the primary organ for detoxifying substances, the liver can manage alcohol metabolism effectively, although excessive drinking can overwhelm its capacity, leading to health issues such as fatty liver disease or cirrhosis. Other organs like the kidneys and stomach have functions related to fluid balance and digestion, respectively, but they are not responsible for alcohol elimination in the same way as the liver. The heart is vital for circulation but does not engage in alcohol processing.