Which structure is part of the digestive system and plays a role in nutrient absorption?

The small intestine is a crucial structure in the digestive system that is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption. Its inner walls are lined with tiny projections called villi and microvilli, which significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. This enables the small intestine to effectively absorb nutrients from the digested food into the bloodstream.

After food is partially digested in the stomach, it moves into the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes and bile further break it down. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are then absorbed here, along with vitamins and minerals, making the small intestine a critical site for ensuring that the body receives essential nutrients for energy, growth, and cellular repair.

The other structures mentioned, while involved in the digestive process, do not play the same primary role in nutrient absorption. The stomach is mainly responsible for the chemical breakdown of food and mixing it with gastric juices. The esophagus serves as a passageway to transport food from the mouth to the stomach, and the large intestine primarily focuses on water reabsorption and the formation of feces, with limited nutrient absorption capabilities.