Colon and nutrient absorption

[mrmandrake]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

According to EK1001 Biology (answer to #526 pg 244), the colon does NOT absorb nutrients. I thought that is does (vitamin K, salt). What's the right asnwer? Thanks!

 

[DrJD]

According to EK1001 Biology (answer to #526 pg 244), the colon does NOT absorb nutrients. I thought that is does (vitamin K, salt). What's the right asnwer? Thanks!

If we are talking about the large intestine, it does not absorb "nutrients" per say... the bacteria there do produce a certain number of vitamins, however these are not what they are referring to as nutrients. The large intestine primarily absorbs WATER. If you see a large intestine question, think water absorption.

 

[Food]

The colon does absorb some vitamins, mainly vitamin K. But the major and main function of the colon is water absorption. For the purposes of the MCAT, I think you want to think water reabsorption.

and uh, random dialogue with colon in it:

*Dr.Cox looking at an x-ray of a lightbulb inside some dude's ***

Dr.Cox: Well, either the patient has a light-bulb stuck up his ass, or his colon's got a good idea.

 

[mrmandrake]

Thanks guys!