Which of the following statements about digestion is true?

• A. Saliva contains enzymes that digest fats.
• B. The large intestine is responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates.
• C. Digestion begins in the stomach with the breakdown of proteins.
• D. The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of saliva in digestion: Saliva contains enzymes like amylase that begin the digestion of carbohydrates, not fats.
2. Examine the function of the large intestine: The large intestine is primarily involved in water absorption and the formation of feces, not the digestion of carbohydrates.
3. Consider where digestion begins: Digestion actually begins in the mouth with the mechanical breakdown of food and enzymatic action on carbohydrates, not in the stomach.
4. Identify the primary site for nutrient absorption: The small intestine is indeed the primary site for nutrient absorption, where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs.
5. Review the digestive process: The small intestine has structures like villi and microvilli that increase surface area for absorption, making it the main site for absorbing nutrients into the bloodstream.