State that most water is absorbed from the small intestine but that some is also absorbed from the colon
State that most water is absorbed from the small intestine but that some is also absorbed from the colon
Answer
Most water is absorbed from the small intestine, where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs. Approximately 7 to 8 liters of water are absorbed daily in this region, primarily through osmosis, as nutrients and electrolytes are absorbed.However, some water is also absorbed from the colon (large intestine), which can absorb about 1 to 2 liters of water daily. This absorption occurs as the chyme becomes more concentrated, allowing the colon to reclaim additional water from the undigested food material. Thus, while the small intestine is the primary site for water absorption, the colon also plays a significant role in reclaiming excess water from the digestive process.