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Describe the fluid and electrolyte absorptive capabilities of the large intestine

a) Absorbs water and electrolytes
b) Secretes water and electrolytes
c) Both absorbs and secretes
d) Neither absorbs nor secretes

User Esther
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The large intestine is mainly responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes, transforming the waste into semisolid feces suitable for excretion, with the aid of intestinal flora.

Step-by-step explanation:

The absorptive capabilities of the large intestine are primarily focused on the reabsorption of water and electrolytes from the undigested food material. After the small intestine absorbs about 90 percent of the water and most electrolytes, the large intestine absorbs most of the remaining water, which helps to convert the liquid chyme residue into semisolid feces. This process is crucial as it ensures the feces have enough water content to be excreted smoothly from the body. The large intestine also hosts helpful bacteria or "intestinal flora" that aid in the digestive processes, by further breaking down materials that have not been digested in the small intestine.

The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from undigested food material and processing waste material. It has three parts: the cecum, the colon, and the rectum. The colon is home to helpful bacteria that aid in the digestive process. The main functions of the colon are to extract water and mineral salts from undigested food and to store waste material.

User Howzieky
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