In which part of the digestive system does most food digestion occur?

The majority of food digestion occurs in the small intestine due to its specialized structure and functions. The small intestine is lined with tiny, finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients. It has three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

In the duodenum, digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver further break down food into smaller components, like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This enzymatic action is essential for the efficient breakdown of food, allowing nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestine.

Although the stomach plays a key role in the initial mechanical and chemical digestion of food, it is in the small intestine that the majority of the chemical digestion and nutrient absorption takes place. The large intestine primarily reabsorbs water and stores waste rather than digesting food. The pancreas, while important for producing digestive enzymes, is not part of the digestive tract where digestion physically occurs. Thus, the small intestine is the correct answer.