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Urea Cycle

Meaning

The Urea Cycle is a critical biochemical pathway occurring primarily in the liver, responsible for converting excess, toxic ammonia—a byproduct of amino acid metabolism—into less toxic urea for excretion by the kidneys. This metabolic process is essential for nitrogen balance and preventing the accumulation of ammonia, which is neurotoxic and can profoundly affect central nervous system function. Optimal hormonal health depends on the efficient functioning of this detoxification pathway.