What is the primary function of the large intestine?

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

• A. To absorb nutrients from food
• B. To absorb water and electrolytes
• C. To produce hormones for digestion
• D. To break down fats

Answer: (B)

The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and electrolytes. As the digestive process progresses, the contents of the intestine transition from the small intestine to the large intestine in a more liquid state. The large intestine plays a critical role in the final stages of digestion by reclaiming water and electrolytes from this material, which is important for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance in the body. This absorption process ultimately helps to consolidate waste material into a more solid form for excretion. The large intestine does not primarily function to absorb nutrients from food, produce digestive hormones, or break down fats, which are functions associated with other parts of the digestive system, particularly the small intestine and organs like the liver and pancreas. Fats are primarily broken down in the small intestine, where bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas act on them. Therefore, the function of water and electrolyte absorption is what distinguishes the large intestine's role in the digestive process.

The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and electrolytes. As the digestive process progresses, the contents of the intestine transition from the small intestine to the large intestine in a more liquid state. The large intestine plays a critical role in the final stages of digestion by reclaiming water and electrolytes from this material, which is important for maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance in the body. This absorption process ultimately helps to consolidate waste material into a more solid form for excretion.

The large intestine does not primarily function to absorb nutrients from food, produce digestive hormones, or break down fats, which are functions associated with other parts of the digestive system, particularly the small intestine and organs like the liver and pancreas. Fats are primarily broken down in the small intestine, where bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas act on them. Therefore, the function of water and electrolyte absorption is what distinguishes the large intestine's role in the digestive process.