What is a key function of the liver?

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing drugs and detoxifying harmful substances, making it essential for maintaining overall health. This organ contains enzymes that break down a wide range of medications, allowing the body to eliminate them effectively. Additionally, the liver helps process toxins that enter the bloodstream, converting them into less harmful compounds that can be excreted through urine or bile. This detoxification process is vital because it protects the body from potential damage caused by harmful substances accumulated from various sources including food, alcohol, and environmental pollutants.

The other options, while important functions of different organs or systems, do not represent the primary roles of the liver. For instance, insulin production is a function of the pancreas, nutrient absorption mainly occurs in the intestines, and body temperature regulation is managed by the hypothalamus and skin rather than the liver.