What is the body's major digestive organ?

The small intestine is recognized as the body's major digestive organ because it plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. After food leaves the stomach, it enters the small intestine, where the majority of enzymatic digestion occurs. The small intestine is divided into three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

In the duodenum, digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver further break down food. The jejunum and ileum are primarily responsible for absorbing the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that have been released from the food during digestion. The large surface area of the small intestine, enhanced by villi and microvilli, allows for efficient nutrient absorption.

In contrast, the stomach primarily functions to churn food and mix it with gastric juices to create a semi-liquid substance called chyme, while the large intestine is primarily involved in the absorption of water and electrolytes, as well as the formation and excretion of feces. The pancreas, while essential for producing digestive enzymes and hormones, is not directly involved in the digestive process within the gastrointestinal tract itself. Thus, the small intestine is integral to the overall digestive process, making it the major digestive organ of the body.