Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Where does the absorption of water occur in the human body?

1. Small intestine

2. Esophagus

3. Large intestine

4. Stomach

The correct answer is: Large intestine

The absorption of water primarily occurs in the large intestine, where significant amounts of water are absorbed from the indigestible food matter. The large intestine is designed to reclaim water and electrolytes, transforming waste material into more solid feces. While some water absorption occurs in the small intestine, the majority occurs in the large intestine, which helps maintain the body’s hydration balance. The esophagus is primarily a conduit for food and does not participate in water absorption. The stomach's main role is to break down food and mix it with gastric juices, but it does not absorb water significantly either. The small intestine is also involved in nutrient absorption, including some water, but it is the large intestine that plays the most crucial role in absorbing the majority of the water processed in the digestive system.