Question

In which part of the gastro-intestinal tract does maximum absorption of water occur?
A. Colon
B. Duodenum
C. Jejunum
D. Ileum

Answer 1

Hint:
A part of the large intestine does the maximum absorption of water, drugs and metals are also absorbed by this part of the large intestine.

Complete answer:
Mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and anus are the main organs of the gastro-intestinal tract. The options given in the question are parts of the small and large intestine. Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum are the parts of the small intestine and Colon is a part of the large intestine.
Duodenum is the first part of the small intestine which is located between the stomach and jejunum. In duodenum, there is absorption of Vitamins i.e., A, D, E and K. It is responsible for the breakdown of food in the small intestine. But in the question, maximum absorption of water is asked and it is not a function of duodenum. Therefore, this option is not the right one.
Jejunum is a part of the small intestine which is present between duodenum and ileum. This part of the small intestine absorbs sugars, amino acids and fatty acids. Therefore, this option is also not the right one.
Ileum is the final portion of the small intestine which connects to the cecum which is the first part of the large intestine. Ileum absorbs any final nutrients, it majorly absorbs Vitamin B12 and bile acids. Therefore, this option is also not the right one.
Moving to colon which is the final part of the large intestine. It's function is to absorb the fluids and process waste products from the body to pass out through the anus. The maximum water absorption occurs in the colon, it absorbs drugs and metals too. Therefore, this is the right answer.

Thus, the right answer is option A. i.e., Colon.

Note: The absorption of water in the colon is done by osmosis. Sodium is absorbed in the colon, potassium is either absorbed or secreted. But the most water absorption is done by the colon in the large intestine. There is no such water absorption in the small intestine by any of its parts. Therefore, the answer is clear of this question.