Where in the body does the metabolism of ethanol primarily take place?

The metabolism of ethanol primarily occurs in the liver. This organ plays a crucial role in processing and detoxifying substances in the body, including alcohol. The liver contains specialized enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, that facilitate the breakdown of ethanol into acetaldehyde and then further into acetic acid, which can eventually be utilized for energy or eliminated from the body.

The other options represent organs that have different functions. The heart is primarily responsible for pumping blood throughout the body and does not play a direct role in alcohol metabolism. The lungs are involved in gas exchange and have some minor involvement in the elimination of alcohol vapor, but they do not metabolize ethanol. Lastly, the kidneys filter blood and remove waste products from the body, but they do not metabolize ethanol. Understanding the role of the liver in alcohol metabolism is essential for anyone studying intoxication and the effects of alcohol on the body.