Final answer:
The majority of water reabsorption in the digestive system occurs in the small intestine, with about 90% of the water being absorbed there. The large intestine absorbs most of the remaining water, contributing to feces formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Water reabsorption is a critical process in the digestive system, vital for maintaining the body's fluid balance. When it comes to water reabsorption, the majority occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine is incredibly efficient at absorbing not only water but also nutrients, with about 90 percent of the water consumed being absorbed there. In comparison, the large intestine absorbs most of the remaining water, which helps convert the liquid chyme residue into a semisolid form, known as feces.
The large intestine consists of the cecum, colon, and rectum. The colon has four parts – the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon. Its primary function is to extract water and mineral salts from undigested food and to store waste material.
Although some water is indeed reabsorbed in the large intestine, this is mainly the excess that was not absorbed by the small intestine. The process in the large intestine also involves the absorption of some electrolytes and the compaction of feces for elimination. Therefore, if asked where the majority of water reabsorption occurs during the processing of food, the correct answer would be b) Small intestine.