Which digestive organ absorbs water and forms feces?

Which digestive organ absorbs water and forms feces?

• A. Small intestine
• B. Stomach
• C. Esophagus
• D. Large intestine

Answer: (D)

The large intestine is the key site for absorbing water from indigestible material and forming feces. After most nutrients have been absorbed in the small intestine, the remaining contents move into the colon, where the lining reabsorbs much of the water and electrolytes. This makes the material more solid and ultimately forms feces that are stored in the rectum until elimination. The stomach churns and begins digestion, the esophagus just transports food, and the small intestine handles most nutrient absorption (with some water reabsorption as well) but does not complete feces formation.

The large intestine is the key site for absorbing water from indigestible material and forming feces. After most nutrients have been absorbed in the small intestine, the remaining contents move into the colon, where the lining reabsorbs much of the water and electrolytes. This makes the material more solid and ultimately forms feces that are stored in the rectum until elimination. The stomach churns and begins digestion, the esophagus just transports food, and the small intestine handles most nutrient absorption (with some water reabsorption as well) but does not complete feces formation.