Elimination of Toxins

Option C


The kidneys are the primary elimination sites of toxic substances, although the liver,lungs, sweat, tears, and biliary system can also eliminate toxins from the body. It should be noted that the rate of renal excretion is dependent on the pH of the urine. Chemicals are excreted by the kidney through passive glomerular filtration and passive or active tubular secretion.


The liver is another important excretory organ. The liver filters blood from the GI tract before it reaches the systemic circulation. As a result, the liver can remove toxins before they are distributed throughout the body. Many agents cleared by the liver enter the biliary system and are available for excretion. Products such as lead, arsenic and manganese are among the compounds excreted into the bile.


The lungs eliminate products usually in the gaseous phase. Alveolar diffusion may be
another mechanism for the lungs to eliminate blood toxins.

Toxins can also be eliminated through breast milk, sweat, saliva, skin, hair and nails.

Elimination of toxins through these sites can often provide clues to the nature of the toxin and degree of absorption.

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