Organophosphate insecticides are broken down in humans mainly by which organ?

Organophosphate insecticides are primarily metabolized in the liver due to the presence of specific enzymes that facilitate the biochemical breakdown of these compounds. The liver plays a pivotal role in detoxifying various substances, including medications and pesticides. It has a diverse array of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are essential for the metabolism of many organophosphate compounds, converting them into less harmful forms that can be excreted from the body.

While other organs do have roles in the body’s overall metabolism and detoxification processes, the liver is the central hub for processing substances that enter the bloodstream, particularly those that are fat-soluble like many insecticides. Consequently, understanding the liver's function helps highlight its significance in the detoxification pathways for organophosphate insecticides and other toxic materials.