What is the primary function of the liver?

The primary function of the liver is its role in filtering blood and detoxifying harmful substances. This process is crucial for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and overall health. The liver filters out toxins and waste products from the blood, including drugs and alcohol, and converts them into less harmful substances that can be excreted by the kidneys. Additionally, the liver synthesizes many proteins vital for blood clotting and other functions, which further underscores its importance in the body's detoxification processes.

While the liver does indeed store vitamins and minerals, and contributes to various metabolic functions, the most critical and defining feature of its function is the filtration and detoxification of blood. This unique capability allows the liver to play a central role in nearly all metabolic pathways, making it one of the body's most essential organs for filtering out harmful substances and maintaining a clean and functioning bloodstream.