Which digestive organ is responsible for nutrient absorption?

The intestines, specifically the small intestine, play a crucial role in nutrient absorption during digestion. After food is broken down in the stomach, it moves into the small intestine, where the majority of nutrients from the food are absorbed into the bloodstream. The small intestine has a highly specialized structure, featuring villi and microvilli that increase its surface area, allowing for efficient absorption of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

The stomach primarily functions to break down food and mix it with digestive juices, but it does not absorb significant nutrients. The gallbladder stores bile, which aids in fat digestion but does not directly absorb nutrients. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin, but it does not participate in the absorption process. Thus, the intestines are the organ most directly responsible for nutrient absorption following digestion.