Which organ excretes around 5% of alcohol through respiration?

The lungs play a key role in the excretion of alcohol through respiration. When alcohol is consumed, it is metabolized in the liver, where a significant portion is processed and eliminated from the body. However, a small percentage—approximately 5%—of alcohol actually leaves the body unchanged, being exhaled through the lungs. This occurs because alcohol is present in the bloodstream, and as blood passes through the lungs, some alcohol evaporates into the air within the alveoli (the air sacs in the lungs) and is subsequently expelled when breathing out.

This process illustrates the concept of how certain substances, such as alcohol, can be removed from the body through various routes, including both metabolic processes and direct excretion. The role of the lungs in expelling a portion of alcohol is an interesting aspect of human physiology that highlights the interplay between different organ systems in maintaining homeostasis and managing waste products.