Final answer:
The liver is the destination for water-soluble nutrients after their absorption in the intestinal villi, where they are processed and distributed by the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a water-soluble nutrient molecule has been absorbed and has crossed into the cell of a villus, it enters the bloodstream and is guided to the liver. The correct answer to the question is c. liver.
After water-soluble nutrients are absorbed by the intestinal villi, they enter the blood capillaries and are carried directly to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. In the liver, they are further processed and either stored or distributed throughout the body.
This critical organ plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels, detoxifying substances, and managing the bioavailability of nutrients. Unlike fats, which are absorbed into the lymphatic system, water-soluble nutrients, such as glucose and certain vitamins, bypass the lymphatic system and go straight to the liver, underscoring its importance in digestion and nutrient distribution.