Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

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Multiple Choice

Where are most of the nutrients from your food absorbed in the digestive system?

Stomach

Esophagus

Large intestine

Small intestine

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the primary function of each organ in the digestive system. The stomach is responsible for breaking down food mechanically and chemically, but it does not absorb most nutrients. The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach and does not play a role in nutrient absorption.

Step 2: Consider the role of the large intestine. Its main function is to absorb water and electrolytes, compact waste, and form feces. While it absorbs some nutrients like vitamins produced by gut bacteria, it is not the primary site for nutrient absorption.

Step 3: Focus on the small intestine, which is the primary site for nutrient absorption. It has specialized structures like villi and microvilli that increase surface area for absorption. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed here.

Step 4: Understand the process of nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid in breaking down food into smaller molecules, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream or lymphatic system through the walls of the small intestine.

Step 5: Conclude that the small intestine is the correct answer because it is anatomically and functionally designed to absorb the majority of nutrients from digested food.