Where does most of digestion take place?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about where most of digestion occurs, so we need to assess each option in light of digestive physiology.
Option 1: pancreas. The pancreas releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine, which is crucial for digestion, but it is not where most of the digestion occurs. Enzymes from the pancreas act in the small intestine to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, yet the absorptive and digestive workspace is primarily in the small intestine itself.
Option 2: large intestine. The large intestine mainly handles absorption of water and electrolytes and houses gut bacteria; it does not contribute significantly to chemical digestion of macronutrients compared with the small intestine.
Option 3: small intestine. This is the primary site of digestion and nutrient absorption. Enzymes from the pancreas and intestinal lining break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats here, and a vast surface area with villi and microvilli maximizes absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
Option 4: stomach. The stomach performs initial mechanical breakdown and begins protein digestion with acid and pepsin, but the bulk of chemical digestion and nutrient absorption take place later in the small intestine, not primarily in the stomach.
In summary, while other organs contribute to digestion, the small intestine is the central arena where the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs, thanks to its enzymatic activity and absorptive surface. The pancreas assists in digestion within the small intestine, the large intestine focuses on water absorption, and the stomach handles initial digestion, but none of these alone match the overall role of the small intestine in digestion.

OC_DHYG430_202510FAII_BL-1 Midterm

Where does most of digestion take place?

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