Which of the following organs is where most nutrients are absorbed?
(1 point)
Responses
large intestine
large intestine
esophagus
esophagus
small intestine
small intestine
stomach
small intestine
The organ where most nutrients are absorbed is the small intestine. To understand why, let me explain the process of nutrient absorption in the digestive system.
When you eat food, it travels down the esophagus and enters the stomach, where it is mixed with digestive enzymes and acids. The stomach breaks down the food into smaller pieces and releases it into the small intestine.
The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system, and has a highly specialized structure that allows for efficient nutrient absorption. It is lined with millions of tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for nutrient absorption. These villi are further covered with even smaller microscopic structures called microvilli, which maximize the absorption surface area even more.
As the food passes through the small intestine, the nutrients are broken down into simpler molecules (such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids) by enzymes produced by the pancreas and small intestine itself. These molecules are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and into the bloodstream, where they are transported to the body's cells to provide energy and maintain bodily functions.
In comparison, the stomach's main function is to break down food mechanically and chemically, but it has a limited role in nutrient absorption. The large intestine, also known as the colon, primarily absorbs water and electrolytes from the indigestible parts of food and forms feces for elimination.
Therefore, the correct answer is the small intestine.