Which statement describes the relationship of the large intestine to fecal material, including water absorption?

Which statement describes the relationship of the large intestine to fecal material, including water absorption?

• A. It digests proteins in the stomach
• B. It stores bile
• C. It produces gastric acid
• D. It forms fecal material and absorbs water

Answer: (D)

The large intestine is where fecal material is formed and most of the body’s water is reabsorbed. As indigestible material moves through the colon, the lining absorbs water and electrolytes, gradually turning liquid chyme into solid stool. The colon also stores this fecal material until defecation, with the rectum serving as a reservoir. While bacteria in the colon do ferment some substances and synthesize certain vitamins, the key relationship to fecal material is the formation of solid waste and reclaiming water. Other options describe functions of different organs: digestion of proteins occurs mainly in the stomach, bile is stored in the gallbladder, and gastric acid is produced by the stomach.

The large intestine is where fecal material is formed and most of the body’s water is reabsorbed. As indigestible material moves through the colon, the lining absorbs water and electrolytes, gradually turning liquid chyme into solid stool. The colon also stores this fecal material until defecation, with the rectum serving as a reservoir. While bacteria in the colon do ferment some substances and synthesize certain vitamins, the key relationship to fecal material is the formation of solid waste and reclaiming water.

Other options describe functions of different organs: digestion of proteins occurs mainly in the stomach, bile is stored in the gallbladder, and gastric acid is produced by the stomach.