Which organ is responsible for absorbing nutrients after digestion?

The small intestine is essential for nutrient absorption after digestion due to its specialized structure and function. It is lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. This increased surface area allows the small intestine to efficiently absorb nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals into the bloodstream.

The small intestine also has three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, each contributing to the digestive process and nutrient absorption in specific ways. The duodenum receives digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver, aiding in the breakdown of food. The jejunum and ileum are primarily responsible for the absorption of nutrients, utilizing processes like active transport and diffusion.

In contrast, while the stomach plays a role in breaking down food through gastric juices, it is not involved in nutrient absorption. The large intestine, including the colon, is primarily responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes and the formation and elimination of waste rather than the absorption of nutrients. Therefore, the small intestine's unique adaptations make it the central organ for nutrient absorption after digestion.