Which organ primarily metabolizes alcohol in the body?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body. When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach and intestines. The liver processes this alcohol using enzymes, converting it into acetaldehyde, which is further broken down into carbon dioxide and water. This metabolic process not only helps to eliminate alcohol from the system but also plays a crucial role in regulating blood alcohol concentration.

The other organs listed do have roles in the body's overall function but are not primary sites for alcohol metabolism. The kidneys primarily filter waste products and regulate fluid balance, the heart pumps blood to distribute substances throughout the body, and the lungs facilitate gas exchange, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, rather than metabolizing alcohol. Hence, the liver's specialized function is vital for detoxifying alcohol and preventing its harmful effects on the body.