What organ eliminates approximately 90% of alcohol from the body?

The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of alcohol, responsible for eliminating approximately 90% of alcohol from the body. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and is transported to the liver, where enzymes, particularly alcohol dehydrogenase, break it down into acetaldehyde, which is then further metabolized into acetic acid and eventually eliminated from the body. This process is essential for detoxifying the effects of alcohol and preventing its accumulation, which could lead to harmful consequences.

In contrast, while the stomach is involved in the initial absorption of alcohol, it does not significantly contribute to its elimination. The kidneys primarily focus on filtering and excreting waste products from the blood, but they are not the main organ responsible for processing alcohol. The lungs can expel a very small amount of alcohol through breath, which is the basis for breathalyzer tests, but they do not play a significant role in overall alcohol elimination. Thus, understanding the liver's function in metabolizing alcohol is key to recognizing its pivotal role in the body's detoxification processes.