Question

Water, vitamins, and salt are absorbed in the

Answer 1

Water, vitamins, and salt are primarily absorbed in the small intestine, with water-soluble vitamins and salt being absorbed directly into the bloodstream and most of the water absorbed due to a concentration gradient. The colon absorbs the remaining water.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked where water, vitamins, and salt are absorbed. Water is crucial for body function and is absorbed predominantly in the small intestine. About 90% of the water from food and gastrointestinal secretions is absorbed here due to the concentration gradient of water between the chyme and epithelial cells. The colon is responsible for absorbing much of the remaining water.

Vitamins can be either water-soluble or lipid-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins, which include the eight B vitamins and vitamin C, are absorbed with water in the gastrointestinal tract because they move easily through water-based bodily fluids and are not stored in the body. These water-soluble vitamins, along with salt, a type of electrolyte, are absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the intestine. Iron is specifically absorbed in the duodenum, while vitamin B12 and bile salts are absorbed in the ileum.

Overall, the small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, with specific regions like the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum facilitating the absorption of specific substances.

Answer 2

Water, vitamins and salte are absorbed in the large intestine. The main metabolic products such as glucose and amino acids are absorbed in the small intestine, while the water, salts and vitamins are reabsorbed in the large intestine. The large intestine's main function is the absorption of such products and the passing of unmetabolized substances towards the rectum.