What is the primary function of the large intestine?

The primary function of the large intestine is indeed the absorption of water from food and the creation of solid waste. After the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs in the small intestine, the remaining material moves into the large intestine, where water and salts are reabsorbed. This process is crucial for maintaining the body’s hydration and electrolyte balance while also helping to form and store feces.

As the large intestine compacts the waste material, it allows the body to efficiently eliminate what is no longer needed, thus preventing dehydration that could occur if too much water were lost in waste. This function highlights the role of the large intestine in both water conservation and waste excretion, which is critical for overall health.

Other options, such as the absorption of nutrients, filtering blood, and production of digestive enzymes, primarily take place in different parts of the digestive system or perform distinct functions, making them less relevant to the primary role of the large intestine.