What happens to digested food in the small intestine?

In the small intestine, the primary function is the absorption of nutrients from the digested food. After food has undergone initial digestion in the mouth and stomach, it enters the small intestine where enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver further break down the food particles.

As the digested food moves through the small intestine, the walls of the intestine are lined with tiny projections called villi. These villi significantly increase the surface area available for absorption. Nutrients such as amino acids, simple sugars, fatty acids, and glycerol are absorbed into the bloodstream through these villi. This efficient absorption process is crucial, as it allows the body to take in essential nutrients and energy needed for various biological functions.

While other options mention storage, mixing with bile, and further digestion, they do not accurately describe the primary function of the small intestine, which is dedicated to nutrient absorption.