Which is primarily responsible for pharmacologic metabolism?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When considering which organ is primarily responsible for pharmacologic metabolism, several candidate organs come to mind due to their roles in drug processing. 
Option 1: Skin. The skin is involved in barrier function and some limited metabolism for certain topical agents, but it is not the principal organ for systemic drug metabolism. Therefore, this choice is not correct for typical pharmacologic metabolism. 
Option 2: Liver. The liver contains the highest concentration of drug-metabolizing enzymes, notably the cytochrome P450 family, and carries out both phase I and phase II reactions that transform lipophilic drugs into more water-soluble, excretable compounds. This makes the liver the central organ for systemic drug metabolism. 
Option 3: Kidney. The kidneys are essential for excretion of many drugs and metabolites, and they do perform some metabolic activities, but their primary role is elimination rather than the main site of metabolic biotransformation. Hence, this is not the principal site of metabolism. 
Option 4: Stomach. The stomach has limited metabolic capability, mainly related to some acid- and pH-dependent processes and minor interactions with certain drugs, but it does not serve as the main site for metabolism. Therefore, this option is not correct. 
In summary, among the listed options, the liver stands out as the organ chiefly responsible for pharmacologic metabolism due to its abundant enzyme systems and central role in transforming drugs for elimination.

Which is primarily responsible for pharmacologic metabolism?

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