Which part of the digestive system is primarily responsible for water absorption?

The large intestine, also known as the colon, plays a critical role in water absorption within the digestive system. As the remaining waste products from digestion pass into the large intestine, this organ functions to reclaim water and electrolytes, which helps to consolidate the waste into a more solid form before excretion. The absorption of water in the large intestine is vital for maintaining the body's fluid balance and preventing dehydration.

While the small intestine is also involved in nutrient absorption, including some water, its primary function is the absorption of nutrients from food. The stomach's role is predominantly in the mechanical breakdown of food and the initiation of protein digestion, rather than in water absorption. The rectum is part of the waste elimination process and does not play a primary role in nutrient or water absorption. Therefore, the large intestine is the part of the digestive system most directly responsible for absorbing water.