Absorption is the same as which process?

Absorption is the same as which process?

• A. Digestion
• B. Assimilation
• C. Excretion
• D. Secretion

Answer: (B)

Absorption is the process by which digested nutrients pass from the gut into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Assimilation then describes how those absorbed nutrients are taken up by the body's cells and used for energy, growth, and repair. Because assimilation is the step that follows absorption—putting the absorbed nutrients to work in the tissues—it’s the best match for what happens to nutrients after they cross the intestinal barrier. Digestion, excretion, and secretion involve other stages (breaking down food, eliminating wastes, and releasing substances, respectively) and do not describe the uptake and use of nutrients.

Absorption is the process by which digested nutrients pass from the gut into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Assimilation then describes how those absorbed nutrients are taken up by the body's cells and used for energy, growth, and repair. Because assimilation is the step that follows absorption—putting the absorbed nutrients to work in the tissues—it’s the best match for what happens to nutrients after they cross the intestinal barrier. Digestion, excretion, and secretion involve other stages (breaking down food, eliminating wastes, and releasing substances, respectively) and do not describe the uptake and use of nutrients.