The large intestine is primarily responsible for which function?

• A. Absorbing nutrients from chyme
• B. Removing liquids from waste
• C. Digesting proteins
• D. Producing bile

Answer: (B)

The main function of the large intestine is to reclaim water and electrolytes from indigestible material and form solid waste. As chyme moves through this tube, its watery content is reabsorbed back into the body, leaving behind a more solid material that becomes stool. This cleaning up of liquids helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

Nutrients are absorbed primarily in the small intestine, not the large intestine, so absorbing nutrients from chyme isn’t the main job here. Digesting proteins is also done earlier in the digestive tract, with enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. Producing bile isn’t a function of the large intestine either; bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. The large intestine does host bacteria that can ferment some remaining material and produce certain vitamins, but its principal role remains water and electrolyte reabsorption and stool formation.