Which statement best describes the process by which nutrients move from the gut into the bloodstream?

Which statement best describes the process by which nutrients move from the gut into the bloodstream?

• A. Digestion
• B. Absorption
• C. Metabolism
• D. Excretion

Answer: (B)

Absorption is the process by which nutrients move from the gut into the bloodstream. After digestion breaks food into small units, these nutrients are taken up by the lining of the small intestine, where the large surface area of villi and microvilli helps them cross into the blood (via intestinal capillaries, with fats often traveling via the lymph first before reaching the bloodstream). Digestion refers to breaking down food, metabolism to the body's use of those nutrients, and excretion to eliminating waste. So, the step that transfers nutrients into the bloodstream is absorption.

Absorption is the process by which nutrients move from the gut into the bloodstream. After digestion breaks food into small units, these nutrients are taken up by the lining of the small intestine, where the large surface area of villi and microvilli helps them cross into the blood (via intestinal capillaries, with fats often traveling via the lymph first before reaching the bloodstream). Digestion refers to breaking down food, metabolism to the body's use of those nutrients, and excretion to eliminating waste. So, the step that transfers nutrients into the bloodstream is absorption.