Final answer:
It is true that the liver can process only about one standard drink per hour. Alcohol metabolism rates can vary between individuals, and gender differences exist, with women processing alcohol slower than men. The excretion of alcohol is a significant aspect of liver function, critical to the long-term health of the excretory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, the liver can only process a fixed amount of alcohol, which is approximately one standard drink per hour. The liver metabolizes nearly all the ethanol in circulation, using two primary metabolic processes for detoxification. For an average male, the rate of alcohol metabolism can vary by 25-30%, with women generally metabolizing alcohol somewhat more slowly. Once drinking stops, it takes at least five hours for a legally intoxicated person (BAC of 0.08) to achieve sobriety, considering that alcohol is broken down at a rate of about 15 mg/dL per hour. In cases of moderate drinking, a minor part of ethanol is processed via the Microsomal Ethanol Oxidizing System (MEOS). However, this system becomes more active during heavy drinking sessions, increasing the body's ability to clear ethanol. Nonetheless, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to long-term effects on the liver and kidneys, which are crucial organs in the excretory system. The immediate effects of alcohol depend on an individual's BAC, which varies according to various factors including age, sex, and health condition.