What digestive organ is responsible for the absorption of water?

• A. Large intestine
• B. Small intestine
• C. Stomach
• D. Liver

Answer: (A)

Water reabsorption primarily happens in the large intestine. After most nutrients have been absorbed in the small intestine, the colon takes up remaining water and electrolytes from the indigestible chyme to form solid stool. This process is driven by active uptake of sodium ions into colonocytes, with water following osmotically through the epithelial layer. The stomach mainly handles digestion and only a small amount of water absorption, while the liver isn’t a site of intestinal water absorption.