Which organ in the human body is primarily responsible for detoxification?

The liver is primarily responsible for detoxification in the human body due to its unique role in metabolizing and breaking down toxins. It processes substances absorbed from the digestive tract and transforms harmful compounds into less harmful substances that can be excreted. This includes the detoxification of drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste like ammonia, which is converted into urea. The liver also plays a critical role in producing bile, which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats, thereby contributing further to the detoxification process by neutralizing the acids produced during digestion.

In comparison, the kidneys, though crucial for filtering blood and excreting waste products in urine, primarily focus on the elimination of excess fluids and electrolytes rather than full-scale detoxification like the liver. The stomach's primary function is digestion, breaking down food, and it does not engage in significant detoxification processes. The pancreas is chiefly involved in producing enzymes for digestion and hormones like insulin for glucose regulation, but it does not serve a detoxification role. Thus, the liver stands out as the central organ dedicated to detoxifying harmful substances from the body.