Which organ detoxifies ammonia in the body?

Which organ detoxifies ammonia in the body?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Spleen
• C. Liver
• D. Pancreas

Answer: (C)

Detoxifying ammonia is a liver function. Ammonia, produced during protein metabolism, is highly toxic to brain tissue, so the body converts it into a much less harmful substance through the urea cycle in the liver. Once formed as urea, it’s cleared by the kidneys and excreted in urine. The kidneys help remove waste, but the key conversion that neutralizes ammonia happens in the liver. The spleen and pancreas don’t participate in ammonia detoxification. This connection explains why liver disease can lead to hyperammonemia and related neurologic signs.

Detoxifying ammonia is a liver function. Ammonia, produced during protein metabolism, is highly toxic to brain tissue, so the body converts it into a much less harmful substance through the urea cycle in the liver. Once formed as urea, it’s cleared by the kidneys and excreted in urine. The kidneys help remove waste, but the key conversion that neutralizes ammonia happens in the liver. The spleen and pancreas don’t participate in ammonia detoxification. This connection explains why liver disease can lead to hyperammonemia and related neurologic signs.