Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

Which organ is responsible for removing toxic byproducts of digestion?

1. Pleura

2. Liver

3. Kidney

4. Pituitary gland

The correct answer is: Liver

The liver plays a crucial role in the detoxification process within the body, making it the correct answer. As the body's primary organ for metabolizing nutrients absorbed from the digestive tract, it processes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. During this metabolism, the liver breaks down harmful substances—such as ammonia produced from the amino acids of protein metabolism—into less toxic compounds that are more easily excreted. Moreover, the liver is involved in the synthesis of various proteins, filtering blood, and storing vital nutrients. It processes alcohol and drugs, converting them into forms that can be safely eliminated by the body. This multi-faceted role emphasizes why the liver is considered essential for removing toxic byproducts of digestion. The other options mentioned do not primarily focus on detoxification related to digestion. The pleura relates to the membranes surrounding the lungs, the kidneys are more involved in filtering waste from the bloodstream and regulating body fluids, while the pituitary gland is a hormone-producing gland that plays a central role in regulating various bodily functions but is not involved in detoxification processes.