The primary function of the digestive system is to

• A. Remove waste
• B. Circulate blood
• C. Digest and absorb nutrients
• D. Digestive enzymes

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and taking in the nutrients the body needs. Through mechanical actions like chewing and stomach mixing, plus chemical digestion with enzymes and acids, food is turned into small, absorbable molecules such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. These nutrients are then absorbed mainly in the small intestine and enter the bloodstream to nourish cells throughout the body. Removing waste is a separate process that occurs after digestion, while circulating blood is the job of the circulatory system. Digestive enzymes are essential tools in the process, but they are part of how digestion happens, not the function by itself.