Which hollow organ is the primary site for digestion of fats via enzymes and nutrient absorption?

• A. Small intestine
• B. Liver
• C. Stomach
• D. Large intestine

Answer: (A)

Fats are handled mainly in the small intestine. Bile from the liver emulsifies fats in the duodenum, increasing their surface area so pancreatic lipase can break triglycerides into fatty acids and monoglycerides. These products form micelles that ferry lipids to the enterocytes, where they are reassembled into triglycerides and packaged into chylomicrons that enter the lymphatic system. The small intestine’s lining—packed with villi and microvilli—provides the large surface area needed to absorb most nutrients, including fats. The stomach does some fat digestion with gastric lipase, but it’s not the primary site; the large intestine mainly reabsorbs water, and the liver isn’t a hollow organ that digests fats itself.