Why Digestion does not occur in large intestine?
Water absorption: The large intestine absorbs water from the undigested food material, solidifying it into stool. This process helps in the formation of feces and prevents dehydration.
Electrolyte absorption: Along with water, the large intestine also absorbs essential electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. These electrolytes help maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
Vitamin production: Certain beneficial bacteria residing in the large intestine produce vitamins, such as vitamins K and some B vitamins. These vitamins are absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body.
Formation of stool: The undigested food material, along with absorbed water and electrolytes, forms into stool in the large intestine. This stool is then temporarily stored in the rectum until it is eliminated through defecation.
Digestion does not occur to a significant extent in the large intestine because most of the nutrients and digestible substances have already been absorbed in the small intestine. The primary function of the large intestine is to process and prepare undigested material for elimination from the body.