Which part of the digestive system absorbs most nutrients?

The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption in the digestive system. Following digestion, which occurs mainly in the stomach and continues in the small intestine, the small intestine's lining is equipped with specialized structures called villi and microvilli. These structures increase the surface area significantly, allowing for a more efficient absorption of nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream.

As food passes through the small intestine, enzymes continue to break down the nutrients into their simplest forms, facilitating their absorption through the intestinal walls. The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, with the jejunum and ileum being particularly important for the absorption process.

The other parts of the digestive system, like the stomach, large intestine, and oesophagus, serve different functions. The stomach primarily focuses on the digestion of food through acids and enzymes but does not absorb significant nutrients. The large intestine's main role is to absorb water and electrolytes, while the oesophagus is simply a conduit for food to travel from the mouth to the stomach, with no role in nutrient absorption.