What percentage of ethanol is metabolized in the liver?

• A. About 50%
• B. About 70%
• C. About 90%
• D. About 100%

Answer: (C)

The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of ethanol, processing it primarily through enzymatic action. Approximately 90% of ethanol that enters the bloodstream is metabolized in the liver. This high percentage is attributed to the liver's efficient capability to metabolize alcohol using enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde and further into acetic acid, which can then be utilized by the body.

The remaining percentage, about 10%, is metabolized by other organs and tissues in the body, such as the stomach and brain, as well as being excreted through urine, sweat, and breath. The liver's predominant role in this metabolic process makes the understanding of its function critical in the context of alcohol consumption and its effects on the body, supporting the idea that nearly all ethanol that is consumed is processed through this vital organ.