Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a function of the liver?

1. Carbohydrate metabolism

2. Detoxification of blood

3. Protein synthesis

4. Detoxification of urine

The correct answer is: Detoxification of urine

The liver is a vital organ responsible for a multitude of functions crucial to maintaining overall health. Among its primary roles are carbohydrate metabolism, detoxification of blood, and protein synthesis. Carbohydrate metabolism involves the regulation of blood glucose levels; the liver stores glucose as glycogen and can release it as needed to maintain energy balance. Detoxifying blood is another critical function, where the liver processes various substances, including drugs and toxins, to convert them into safe forms for excretion. Additionally, the liver is responsible for the synthesis of several key proteins, including clotting factors and albumin. Detoxification of urine is not a function of the liver; rather, this process primarily takes place in the kidneys. The kidneys filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, producing urine, which is then excreted from the body. The distinction between the roles of the liver and kidneys is important for understanding how different organs contribute to bodily functions. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the liver's specific functions and underscores the separate and specialized role of the kidneys in detoxifying urine.