In which part of the digestion process can small absorption occur?

Small absorption can occur in the mouth primarily through a process called mucosal absorption. This involves the absorption of certain substances directly through the mucous membranes in the mouth. For instance, simple sugars and some forms of medications can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the oral mucosa. This is due to the presence of salivary amylase, which begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth, and the oral cavity's ability to allow for the small uptake of nutrients.

However, the majority of nutrient absorption occurs later in the digestion process, particularly in the small intestine, which is specialized for this purpose with its large surface area from villi and microvilli. The stomach primarily functions in the breakdown of food and does not facilitate significant absorption. After passing through the small intestine, the remaining substances go to the large intestine, where further absorption of water and electrolytes occurs, but this is not the primary location for nutrient absorption. Hence, while small absorption takes place in the mouth, it is limited compared to the small intestine.