Approximately 9 liters of fluid enter the gastrointestinal tract daily through ingestion and secretion. In which segment is the majority of this water reabsorbed into the blood?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Small intestine
Although the large intestine is critical for final fluid concentration, the small intestine reabsorbs about 7 to 7.5 liters of fluid per day. This occurs passively, following the osmotic gradient created by the active absorption of nutrients and electrolytes.
Keep practicing
More Digestive System Overview questions
- The stomach is anatomically divided into several regions. Which part is the dome-shaped superior portion that primarily serves as a tempora…
- What is the physiological significance of the 'alkaline tide' observed after a large meal?
- Which structural modification of the small intestine increases the surface area for absorption the most, providing a 'brush border' appeara…
- Peyer's patches are large collections of lymphoid tissue that provide an essential immune barrier. In which part of the alimentary canal ar…
- The large intestine lacks the villi found in the small intestine but possesses unique longitudinal muscle bands. What are these three bands…
- Most nutrients absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract must pass through the liver before entering the general circulation. Which vessel c…