Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing most nutrients due to its complex structure and multifunctional capabilities. It is responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it essential for energy production and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. After nutrients are absorbed in the intestines, they are transported to the liver through the portal vein. The liver processes these nutrients: it converts excess glucose into glycogen for storage, manufactures proteins like albumin and clotting factors, and is involved in the detoxification of harmful substances.

While the pancreas does contribute to digestion by secreting enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, its primary role is not nutrient metabolism but rather the regulation of blood sugar levels and digestion. The kidneys are primarily involved in the excretion of waste products and the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, not in nutrient metabolism. The gallbladder mainly stores bile produced by the liver, facilitating fat digestion but does not metabolize nutrients itself.

Therefore, the liver's central role in nutrient metabolism makes it the correct answer.