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What function does the liver have regarding homeostasis?

  1. It stores glucose exclusively

  2. It produces hormones only

  3. It gets rid of excess waste and chemicals

  4. It regulates body temperature

The correct answer is: It gets rid of excess waste and chemicals

The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis through its ability to get rid of excess waste and chemicals. This organ is essential for detoxification processes, where it metabolizes and removes harmful substances from the blood, including drugs, alcohol, and metabolic byproducts. By breaking down these waste products, the liver helps to maintain a stable internal environment in the body, crucial for overall health. Additionally, the liver contributes to homeostasis by producing bile, which aids in fat digestion and absorption and regulates the levels of various vital substances in the blood, including glucose, lipids, and proteins. This multifaceted detoxification role underscores the liver's importance in managing the body's biochemical composition, ensuring that waste levels are kept in check and preventing toxic accumulation that could disrupt homeostasis. In contrast, exclusive storage of glucose is not a function limited to the liver, and while it does produce hormones such as insulin and glucagon, it is not accurate to say it produces hormones only. Regulating body temperature primarily involves the hypothalamus and the skin rather than the liver.