Which statement about copper excretion is true according to the material?

Which statement about copper excretion is true according to the material?

• A. Copper is not excreted at all
• B. Most copper is excreted in urine
• C. Copper excretion occurs through sweat
• D. Most copper is excreted in bile; liver disease raises risk

Answer: (D)

Copper excretion is handled mainly by the liver into bile, which is then eliminated with the feces. After copper is absorbed, the liver routes excess copper into bile for disposal, making biliary excretion the major elimination pathway. A small amount is excreted in urine, and trace losses can occur in sweat, but these are minor compared with bile. When liver function or bile flow is impaired, the body’s ability to eliminate copper drops, leading to accumulation and increased risk of copper-related toxicity. That’s why the statement that most copper is excreted in bile and that liver disease raises risk is the true one.

Copper excretion is handled mainly by the liver into bile, which is then eliminated with the feces. After copper is absorbed, the liver routes excess copper into bile for disposal, making biliary excretion the major elimination pathway. A small amount is excreted in urine, and trace losses can occur in sweat, but these are minor compared with bile. When liver function or bile flow is impaired, the body’s ability to eliminate copper drops, leading to accumulation and increased risk of copper-related toxicity. That’s why the statement that most copper is excreted in bile and that liver disease raises risk is the true one.