Which of the following is a function of the digestive system?

The absorption of nutrients is a primary function of the digestive system. After food is ingested and broken down through mechanical and chemical processes, the nutrients contained in that food are absorbed through the walls of the intestines into the bloodstream. This absorption allows the body to utilize these vital nutrients—such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—for various physiological processes, including growth, repair, and energy production.

The digestive system also plays an integral role in the breakdown of food, where enzymes help convert food into simpler substances that can be easily absorbed. Without the absorption of nutrients, the body would be unable to acquire the substances it needs to sustain life and maintain health.

In contrast, while muscle contraction is vital for the movement of food through the digestive tract, it is not a direct function of the digestive system in terms of processing and utilizing nutrients. The metabolism of fats occurs primarily in the liver and other tissues, whereas the production of energy is a cellular process that utilizes the absorbed nutrients rather than being a specific function of the digestive system itself.